THE FUTURE HOME

FOR CREATIVITY

IN WESTFIELD

The Rialto Center for Creativity will be a gathering place and creative space for distinctive live performances, cultural conversations, and hands-on learning.

COMING FALL 2028

Interior of an art gallery with a stage area featuring a grand piano, conga drums, chairs, a saxophone, and microphones. The space has brick walls, art paintings on display, and is filled with visitors of various ages, some sitting and others standing, engaging and viewing the artwork and performances. The seating area has blue chairs arranged in rows, with some visitors sitting and others walking around. There is a second-story balcony overlooking the main floor, with additional visitors viewing artwork. Overhead lighting and spotlights illuminate the space.

OUR MISSION

To foster a vibrant environment where creativity is cultivated, artistic expression is celebrated, and individuals are empowered to explore and share their creative potential.

Learn about our vision for the Rialto.

RIALTO RECEIVES NEW JERSEY ARTS GRANT

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has approved a $43.6 million tax credit application through its Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program to rebuild the historic Rialto! The CAFE Program is a highly competitive statewide initiative supporting major arts and cultural capital projects to strengthen local economies and expand access to high-quality cultural experiences.

“With the trust of our supporters and the state’s commitment to the arts, we’re rebuilding more than a theater—we’re creating a home where creativity thrives and people come together. Now we invite the community to help us cross the finish line.” — Bill Crandall, President of the Rialto Board of Trustees.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

The next step is local, collaborative, and time-bound: the state’s $43.6 million CAFE award is activated through both local and institutional participation. To unlock the full grant amount, we need individuals, families, foundations, and business partners to support the Rialto Reimagined campaign to help us raise $9 million in 12 months—by November 2026. 

This goal builds on a $5 million leadership gift and other early contributions that positioned the project for this significant state investment. As individuals, families, foundations, and business partners contribute an additional $9 million, the CAFE funds will be unlocked, moving the project from approval to construction and a 2028 opening.

For information on campaign gifts, naming opportunities, or sponsorships, please contact campaign@rialtowestfield.org.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES FEATURED EVENTS

Events
KEEPING TIME WITH A DRUMMING SENSATION: LUCY RITTER
Dec 18
KEEPING TIME WITH A DRUMMING SENSATION: LUCY RITTER
BREAKING NEWS COMES TO THE RIALTO: MIKE EMANUEL
Jan 15
BREAKING NEWS COMES TO THE RIALTO: MIKE EMANUEL
WRITING, PERFORMING, REPORTING, OH MY!: MARC ACITO
Feb 12
WRITING, PERFORMING, REPORTING, OH MY!: MARC ACITO

SUPPORT THE

RIALTO

Blog
Why Do Good Deeds Feel Good?
Why Do Good Deeds Feel Good?

During this season of giving, we looked into why volunteering, donating, and supporting causes isn’t just good for others – it also makes you feel good.  A team of Canadian and American psychology and business experts investigated whether spending money on others can reliably increase happiness. After reviewing 15 experiments on the topic, they reached a conclusion: it does.

Blog
The Rialto’s Next Act
The Rialto’s Next Act

Every town has a long-standing institution, something that's been around for so long it's embedded in a place's collective memory. For Westfield, it's the Rialto. The town’s oldest entertainment venue has changed dramatically over the last century, yet one thing has remained constant: its importance and legacy in connecting Westfield residents to creativity and each other. Read about the Rialto’s storied history from grand movie palace to local cinema, shutting its doors, and reopening as a center for creativity.