The New Jersey Creative Communities Conference 2025 is coming up on November 6 at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City. This first-ever event, produced by the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) with HCCC, will bring together leaders, artists, and changemakers from all over.
They’re honoring developer Paul Silverman—if you know Jersey City, you’ve probably seen his mark everywhere. He’s famous for weaving public art right into the city’s neighborhoods, restoring old landmarks, and building lively mixed-use spaces.
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Silverman’s been at this for decades, shaping the community with a mix of development, creativity, and philanthropy. He’s not just putting up buildings; he’s helping define what Jersey City feels like.
Paul Silverman: Building More Than Just Buildings
As the principal at SILVERMAN, Paul’s earned a reputation for his bold vision in shaping the city’s culture and architecture. He’s gone beyond real estate—curating art shows, hosting exhibitions, and even co-founding elevator, a collaborative space for artists to create and share their work.
His developments offer more than just homes or storefronts. They’re filled with murals, sculptures, and installations that make the local landscape pop.
He’s also a strong supporter of nonprofits, making sure the community’s voice stays front and center as Jersey City grows.
Honoring a Cultural Connector
By recognizing Silverman, the NNJCF and HCCC are shining a light on someone who believes creative communities can spark real social and economic progress. His projects show that development and culture can actually work together, not against each other.
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A Conference Focused on Art, Health, and Community
The New Jersey Creative Communities Conference 2025 isn’t just about handing out awards. It’s about starting conversations that matter and getting people to think together.
The day kicks off with a plenary session called “Creative Financing for the Arts in New Jersey”. Speakers from the NJ Economic Development Authority, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Topology will share their takes on how to make arts funding both accessible and sustainable.
Leonardo Vazquez from NNJCF will moderate that discussion. Expect a mix of perspectives and maybe even a few debates.
Four Thematic Tracks to Inspire Change
Attendees can dive into one of four tracks, each exploring how the arts connect with daily life:
- Art and Health – Looking at art therapy, dance therapy, and how creative spaces can fit into healthcare.
- Economic Development – Exploring how public art breathes new life into neighborhoods and draws in investment.
- Supporting Public Artists – Tackling the real-world challenges and opportunities for artists working in public places.
- Inclusivity – Digging into equitable curation and making sure everyone gets represented in cultural spaces.
There’ll also be sessions on hip hop and public art, plus ideas for weaving the arts into downtown revitalization across New Jersey.
Interactive, Affordable, and Accessible
This isn’t just another lecture-heavy conference. Organizers have built in interactive experiences like “Express Yourself”, an art therapy activity during lunch and breaks.
It’s a chance to get hands-on, meet people, and maybe even surprise yourself with what you create. Artists can apply for $25 scholarships to help with already low ticket prices, and HCCC students, faculty, and staff can join for free if they register.
Community Partnerships and Support
Support from the NJ Economic Development Authority, Jersey City’s Department of Health and Human Services, LISC New Jersey, and several philanthropic foundations is making this conference possible. Their involvement really highlights how much collaboration matters—government, nonprofits, private groups—all working together to keep creative communities thriving.
Why It Matters for Jersey City
For locals and visitors alike, the conference is more than just another event. It’s really an open invite to experience Jersey City as a hub of creative energy.
The city’s mix of historic architecture and cultural diversity stands out. There’s a thriving arts scene here that shows how creativity and urban life can actually work together.
If you’re coming in from out of town, you’ll find a bunch of Jersey City hotels close to the arts district and the waterfront. Not sure where to stay in Jersey City? Try spots near Grove Street or Journal Square—cultural attractions are basically right outside.
Before or after the conference, the list of things to do in Jersey City is pretty long. You can check out contemporary art galleries or take a walk along the Hudson River for some fresh air and views.
Whether you live nearby or you’re getting to Jersey City from somewhere else, the conference gives you a good excuse to explore different city districts. You’ll have the chance to meet creative leaders and join conversations that might actually shape the future of our communities.
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Here is the source article for this story: Developer Paul Silverman to be Honored for His Support of Public Art at NJ Creative Communities Conference