The City of Jersey City has selected “The Creative Side” to produce the 36th Annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST), their signature arts festival, this fall.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“For more than three decades, JCAST has showcased the creative pulse of our city. This year, we are honoring that legacy with a fresh approach—one shaped by the people it serves most: our artists,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“The process was open, thoughtful, and built on shared vision, and I’m excited to see The Creative Side bring that vision to life.”
The Creative Side was selected by the advisory committee, which was open for all to participate. The business was founded by Jersey City resident Atim Annette Oton, the former co-owner of Calabar Imports, a 20-year-old Brooklyn retail business.
“I am honored to lead JCAST into its next chapter. This isn’t just about organizing an event—it’s about honoring a legacy, uplifting our local artists, and co-creating a cultural experience that belongs to everyone in Jersey City,” added Oton.
“This process was unlike any before. We created an open forum where everyone could contribute ideas to help guide the selection of the next JCAST producer. It’s a true example of civic engagement and cultural planning done right,” noted Cultural Affairs Director Christine Goodman.
The Jersey City Art & Studio Tour Advisory Committee members are Catherine Hecht, Lexie Levin, Antonio Martez, Dan Pieraccini, and Sylvia Riley.
“We are proud to have volunteered our expertise and time to work in tandem with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Jersey City Arts Council to create this new process and to have ultimately selected this year’s Jersey City Art & Studio Tour producer,” they said in a joint statement.
“We were impressed by the inspiring applications we received and the commitment to the Jersey City arts community demonstrated by all the applicants and we congratulate The Creative Side on being selected as the producer for this year’s event! Their experience, creative vision, and thoughtful approach stood out throughout the application process.”
JCAST will take place between October 3rd and 5th this year.
