Metuchen Joins Art Project To Promote Social Justice Issues

METUCHEN, NJ - The Metuchen Arts Council is partnering with the New Brunswick Community Arts Council, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and Highland Park Arts Commission for the fourth annual “Windows of Understanding” public art project.

This project unites local artists, organizations, and businesses to promote compassion and awareness around social justice issues impacting local communities.

“In Metuchen, we know from experience that art, in all its forms, has the power to open hearts and minds,” Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch said in a statement.

“We welcome the opportunity, especially in these times, to join with our neighbors in New Brunswick and Highland Park to call attention to the unsung heroes in our communities who strive for social balance through education, public service, and artistic expression,” he said.

The project will be unveiled on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 18, and will culminate on Sunday, Feb. 28.

Under this project, windows across New Brunswick and Highland Park will feature artwork and an exhibition at the Metuchen Public Library will be hosted.

(New Brunswick Mayor's Office)

Organizers have curated this year’s art around the subjects of food insecurity, healing from trauma, public health, climate change and youth engagement. Installations will be on view along Church, George, and French streets in New Brunswick, as well as the RiteAid Windows on the South 4th Avenue Gallery in Highland Park.

There will also be virtual programming focused on these issues that will provide the community with opportunities to talk about the topics, look to build connections with partnering organizations.

The Metuchen Arts Council will present an in-person exhibit at the Metuchen Public Library Art Gallery, as well as a virtual exhibit of the artwork. In addition, the Metuchen Human Relations Commission will sponsor virtual “Community Conversations” with the agency directors and the artists involved to highlight the work of each agency.

Meanwhile New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill said the project will provide people with the opportunity to “listen” and “learn”.

“Windows of Understanding will once again serve as a focal point to begin the dialogue that leads us all to a better and fairer world. The pandemic may have forced us apart, but artistic expression as always will draw us back together, and maybe even closer than before,” he said.

The Windows of Understanding project pairs artists with local organizations to collaborate on a piece and will be displayed in windows for the public to encounter.

Some of the local organizations involved are include Dina’s Dwellings, Edison Greenways Group, Elijah’s Promise, Garden of Healing, GLSEN, Healthier Middlesex, Highland Park Food Pantry, MCFOODS, Metuchen First Aid Squad, Metuchen Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, Middlesex County Center for Empowerment, among others.

You can find more information and the calendar of events here.