FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • WHAT IS THE RIALTO CENTER FOR CREATIVITY?

    The Rialto Center for Creativity is a gathering place and creative space for distinctive live performances, cultural conversations, and hands-on learning for Westfield and the surrounding areas. We’ll host diverse programs that enrich the cultural experience of Westfield and its neighbors through live performances, exhibits, film screenings, educational programs, meetings, and more. It’s more than just a performance space—the Rialto is where the community will come together to inspire and celebrate creativity. 

    The revitalized building provides a flexible, multi-purpose space that includes:

    • Professionally equipped, flexible performance space accommodates up to 450 for live performances, films, lectures, and special events

    • Multi-use classrooms and studios for classes, workshops, rehearsals, and rentals

    • Gallery spaces featuring emerging and renowned local and regional artists

    • A catering kitchen for use in private events

    • A cafe and bar open to the public

    HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO MAKE THE RIALTO A CREATIVE CENTER?

    When community members came together to save the Rialto, we always knew it should remain a space for the arts in some capacity. We collaborated with expert advisors to determine how we could transform the Rialto into a creative space in a financially sustainable manner that would benefit the community the most. 

    During the advisors’ assessment, they spoke with business and community leaders. After careful analysis, it was clear: a dedicated space for performances, hands-on learning, and multipurpose creative programming would benefit the town’s businesses, culture, and standing in the region.

    We made creativity the center point of the Rialto because it captures more than just the arts. To us, creativity is the spark that transforms imagination into action, ideas into impact, and individuals into a community. It’s a part of so many aspects of our lives: music, entertainment, art, fashion, interior design, urban planning, marketing, technology, journalism, writing, and more. The Rialto celebrates creativity in all its forms, and we hope to host programming and events that explore each of these areas.

    IS THE RIALTO OPEN?

    We are not open yet. As we wait for construction to begin, we’re using the lobby space of the building to share the vision of the Rialto through limited events like our Spotlight Series. The Board is also using the space for development meetings with vendors and the team.

    WHEN WILL THE RIALTO OFFICIALLY OPEN?

    The Rialto is scheduled to officially open in Fall 2028.

    WHAT WILL THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE RIALTO ENTAIL, AND WHAT IS THE PROJECTED SCHEDULE?

    The Rialto is officially transforming in late 2026, with the external structure remaining and the interior gutted and completely renovated. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

    WHAT IS HAPPENING BETWEEN NOW AND THE OPENING?

    Construction on the Rialto is scheduled to begin in late 2026 and is expected to open in 2028. Between now and opening, we’re focusing on raising the necessary funds to complete the project through community engagement, including limited events such as our Spotlight Series.

    WHAT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT ARE YOU IN NOW?

    We are currently continuing our behind-the-scenes development, which includes finalizing architectural plans, applying for numerous grants, fundraising to meet our goal, and identifying suitable contractors. We’re also introducing a monthly Spotlight Series, a limited event series that brings creative luminaries with ties to Westfield into the Rialto to talk about their creative inspiration and connection to our town. 

    WHY HAS DEVELOPMENT TAKEN SO LONG? 

    We’re so excited to bring the Rialto back to Westfield and open as soon as possible! We have spent years on behind-the-scenes work to develop a successful creative center: purchasing the building, exploring options for its use, deciding how to fund the project, designing architectural plans, and building the board of trustees. While they have taken some time, these important tasks have helped us set the Rialto up for success in the future. We’re keeping the community in the loop on all updates and advancements through our website and mailing list.

    HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED ON RIALTO NEWS? 

    To become a Rialto Insider and stay up to date on news and events, subscribe to our mailing list.

    HOW WILL THE RIALTO BENEFIT THE TOWN?

    The Rialto is designed to benefit the community on a holistic level. The performances, creative programming, education, workshops, and events will create an enriched cultural and artistic experience for Westfield residents and visitors. Rialto programming will not just entertain, educate, and empower visitors—it will also cement Westfield as a regional destination for creativity, culture, and the arts, leading to increased foot traffic, increased activity at local businesses, and new job opportunities for artists, performers, and support staff in our town and the area. 

    IS THE RIALTO A TOWN OF WESTFIELD PROJECT? HOW IS IT SUPPORTED?

    The Rialto Center for Creativity is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit  501 [c](3) organization. We’re responsible for raising 100% of our construction and operating costs. The Rialto will be funded with support from state and county governments, along with corporate, foundation, and individual donations. Once we open, our ticket sales and rentals will generate funds that help support operating costs. 

    We are not a Town of Westfield project, and Westfield taxesare not paying for the renovations or operations of the Rialto. However, the Town of Westfield has been very supportive of reopening the Rialto and what it can offer Westfield. 

    WHAT KINDS OF EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES WILL YOU HOST?

    We’ll host a diverse range of live performances and events, like film screenings, lectures, and art showcases. Creative performance artists, musicians, writers, artisans, and businesspeople will partner with the Rialto to share their work, host workshops, and find a space dedicated to fostering creativity. 

    WILL THE RIALTO HAVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS OR WORKSHOPS?

    Yes, our flexible space will provide opportunities for educational programs and workshops across a wide range of creative media. 

    WILL THE RIALTO OFFER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES? 

    Yes, there will be programming for everyone in the community that’s tailored to different age ranges, abilities, and interests. 

    IS THE RIALTO AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS?

    Not yet! A complete package of rental information will be available once we’re open in 2028.

    WHAT JOBS MAY BE AVAILABLE, AND WHEN WILL YOU BE HIRING?

    As we get closer to opening, we will build our operational and program staff, including administration, marketing, fundraising, production, and house management. Check back on our website and subscribe to our mailing list to stay up-to-date on hiring and volunteer needs. 

  • HOW CAN I DONATE TO THE RIALTO?

    Donate to the Rialto here.

    HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE RIALTO IN A LARGER CAPACITY THROUGH NAMING OPPORTUNITIES, SPONSORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP, OR PARTICIPATING IN THE RIALTO REIMAGINED FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN?

    To discuss supporting the Rialto, please contact campaign@rialtowestfield.org.

    ARE DONATIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE? 

    The Rialto is a 501 [c](3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. 

    WHO ARE YOUR CURRENT SUPPORTERS?

    The Rialto is funded by a mix of corporate, foundation, and individual donations, as well as State of New Jersey grants. 

    ARE WESTFIELD TAX DOLLARS HELPING FUND THE RIALTO?

    Westfield tax dollars are not paying for therenovations or operations of the Rialto. The Rialto is funded by a mix of corporate, foundation, and individual donations in addition to State of New Jersey grants. 

    HOW DO STATE AND LOCAL GRANTS SUPPORT THE RIALTO?

    The Rialto Center for Creativity is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501 [c](3) organization. We are responsible for raising 100% of the Rialto's construction and operation costs. Currently, the Rialto is funded by a mix of corporate, foundation, and individual donations in addition to State of New Jersey grants. 

    HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER MY TIME TO HELP THE RIALTO?

    We’re grateful to have a group of volunteers leading this project and so many more who are interested. We are currently seeking volunteers with specific skills in marketing, fundraising, and IT. We’ll soon have a Volunteer Opportunities page for new postings.

  • WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION? 

    The Rialto is not open yet, except for our live Spotlight Series events.

    ONCE THE RIALTO IS OPEN, HOW WILL PARKING BE HANDLED? 

    We know parking in downtown Westfield can sometimes be a challenge. The original Rialto Theater had a maximum capacity of 1,400 people, and the new Rialto has a maximum capacity of less than half that number, so we anticipate ample parking. We also recognize Westfield’s walkability and bikeability and foresee many visitors coming on foot or two wheels.

    WILL THE RIALTO BE ACCESSIBLE FOR GUESTS WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES?

    The Rialto will be fully ADA-compliant once built. Inclusion is a key value of the organization, and we’re striving to make programming available for all visitors regardless of background, physical abilities, or sensory needs. 

  • WHAT IS THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES? 

    The Spotlight Series is a limited engagement event that invites creative icons with connections to Westfield to share their stories and reflect on the Rialto’s mission to cultivate creativity. Held in the lobby of the Rialto, these 90-minute events offer an opportunity to connect with the community, hear from the legends of our town, and experience the Rialto's vision firsthand. Learn more about the Spotlight Series and be sure to watch recordings of the events on our YouTube channel.

    HOW DO I GET TICKETS TO A SPOTLIGHT EVENT? 

    Visit our events page to purchase tickets to a Spotlight Series event. Space in the lobby is limited to 50 people, but the live event is just a portion of the Spotlight Series—the community is encouraged to participate remotely via our Q&A submissions and by watching the recordings online. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok to stay up to date on speaker announcements. 

    IF I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND, IS THERE A WAY TO VIEW THE PROGRAM? 

    Space in the lobby where the events are held is limited, and we understand the desire to attend in person. Remote participation is just as important to the Spotlight Series—We’ll be sharing full recordings of the events on our YouTube channel and will provide opportunities for remote community engagement through virtual question submissions.