Rutgers University's Zimmerli Art Museum Brings Art Education to New Brunswick Community

In a wonderful initiative that highlights its commitment to community engagement, Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Zimmerli Art Museum has launched and expanded its "Zimmerli Mobile" program. This innovative outreach effort is designed to bring art directly to the people of New Brunswick and surrounding areas, particularly focusing on children and those who might not typically visit a museum.

Since its inception in 2023, Zimmerli Mobile has been making art accessible through bilingual workshops, storytelling sessions, and various art activities held at diverse locations. This proactive approach by Rutgers University-New Brunswick aims to dismantle barriers to art access, fostering a deeper connection between the museum and its local community.

Connecting Through Art: A Vision Realized

The concept for Zimmerli Mobile was first envisioned in 2022 by Zimmerli Director Maura Reilly, who, according to Rutgers University-New Brunswick, aimed for the museum to deliver art directly to the public, allowing communities to experience artmaking and its potential for healing firsthand. This vision has been brought to life by an enthusiastic team, significantly expanding the museum's reach.

During the fiscal year that ended in June, Zimmerli Mobile personnel engaged with nearly 2,000 individuals across 32 programs, visiting 16 unique sites. These locations included the New Brunswick Free Public Library, Puerto Rican Action Board early childhood centers, and various community festivals. The program's success underscores the university's dedication to serving its community beyond traditional academic offerings.

Jessie Garcia, a museum educator and recent Rutgers graduate who oversees Zimmerli Mobile, emphasizes the program's core philosophy: bringing the museum to the community rather than expecting the community to always come to them. Garcia, who earned her master’s degree in social work from the Rutgers School of Social Work, focuses on developing public programming and community outreach with a particular emphasis on young children, Latine, and bilingual (English and Spanish) communities. This approach ensures that the programming is culturally responsive and inclusive.

Empowering Young Minds Through Creative Expression

A crucial element of Zimmerli Mobile is its arts education for children. Hanna Cherres, a graduate fellow for the museum's education department and a master's student in social work, plays a vital role in planning visits to early childhood development centers. Cherres assists in selecting art supplies and books, often conducting sessions bilingually, switching between English and Spanish to ensure all children can participate fully.

This commitment to children's education is particularly notable, as, according to Garcia, many university art museums do not even have dedicated spaces for children. The Zimmerli, however, informally refers to one area as a "children's gallery," providing a unique opportunity to connect with this demographic through exhibitions. For parents and teachers, knowing that institutions like the Zimmerli are actively creating engaging and accessible art experiences for young learners is invaluable. These programs can spark creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and introduce children to diverse cultures and perspectives from an early age.

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Building Deeper Community Ties

The roots of the Zimmerli's community outreach efforts predate the Zimmerli Mobile initiative, with partnerships with groups like the Arts Institute of Middlesex County being foundational. Barbara Cepeda, assistant curator of community engagement at the Zimmerli, who helped develop and launch Zimmerli Mobile, highlights the increasing need for community connection. She stresses the importance of strengthening relationships with campus departments, alumni groups, local organizations, and cultural leaders.

Cepeda, a Rutgers graduate herself, expresses pride in the bilingual and culturally responsive nature of the programming. She sees these initiatives as more than just entertainment; they are educational opportunities that allow visitors to learn, connect, and feel seen and welcomed in spaces that may not have historically felt accessible to them. This empowerment is a significant outcome of the Zimmerli Mobile program.

The Zimmerli Mobile team consistently participates in various community events throughout the year. They supported the Wash and Learn literacy program, hosted art activities at the unveiling of a public art monument, and plan to be at the New Brunswick Heart Festival. Looking ahead, the museum staff anticipates participating in campus resource fairs, a "Day of the Dead" outreach program at the New Brunswick Free Public Library, and the Winter Wishes holiday gift drive. These ongoing efforts ensure a continuous presence and engagement within the community.

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A Model for University Engagement

The Zimmerli Mobile program stands out as a unique model for university art museums. According to Garcia, colleagues from other institutions have expressed surprise at the extent of the Zimmerli's outreach, particularly its focus on young children. This proactive, community-first approach distinguishes Rutgers University-New Brunswick as a leader in fostering inclusive and accessible art education.

Support for Zimmerli Mobile comes from significant partners, including the Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program and the PNC Grow Up Great initiative, with additional funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. This collaborative backing underscores the value and impact of the program.

Ultimately, Zimmerli Mobile is not just about bringing art to people; it's about forming genuine connections. As Garcia explains, the goal is to build relationships offsite first, which then encourages individuals and families to visit the museum, feeling a sense of belonging and welcome. This thoughtful and generous approach by Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Zimmerli Art Museum truly celebrates the power of art to unite and enrich communities.