By Nick Norlen, Staff Writer
Members of Princeton’s joint Recreation Board announced Thursday that they are pursuing a partnership with The Arts Council of Princeton that could bring a series of free concerts to the Pettoranello Gardens Amphitheater during the summer.
Though the two entities have met to the discuss the possibility, a formal partnership has not been formed.
Recreation Board member Tom Zucosky reported on those discussions during the joint Recreation Board meeting.
He said representatives from the Arts Council envision the potential partnership as an informal collaboration, rather than a contract between a landlord and a programming manager. However, officials indicated that in any agreement, those roles would be part of the partnership, with the Arts Council using its resources for musical programming and the Recreation Department serving as a host for concerts.
Mr. Zucosky said he would support an informal relationship as long as the responsibilities of each party were well delineated.
Board member Mike Finkelstein said such a partnership would help meet the community’s desire for more passive recreation.
He said initial discussion with Arts Council officials indicated the possibility of as many as six concerts during the summer months.
He also said there’s a possibility such a series could be done for as little as $7,000. He said further discussion of the partnership will focus on what each party can contribute to the relationship.
”In partnering, the Arts Council will have access to grants that we don’t have access to,” and vice versa, he said, noting that grant-writing expertise could be shared by the entities.
Mr. Zucosky said allowing the Arts Council to use the amphitheater would provide an outlet for performances that they may not have had venues in the past.
Mr. Finkelstein agreed, and noted that the partnership could provide a number of “interesting opportunities.”
He added, “We think it’s a really great way to embrace more partnerships in the community and to expand things that people are looking for. In concert, we would be much more powerful.”
Arts Council officials were not available for comment.

