Atlantic Highlands has AHAA momentum

By Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP

There is a new initiative to connect the arts and business communities in the Jersey Shore town of Atlantic Highlands, NJ.  It’s called the Atlantic Highlands Arts Alliance (AHAA) and it’s one of the first products coming out of a Community Coaching initiative guided by Arts Build Communities.

AHAA is hosting “Live on First” Fridays from June 1 to October 5, 2012.  The first scheduled “Live on First” Fridays will begin at 3:00pm in Veterans Park at the Farmers’ Market, ending at 6 pm as the Market closes.  The “Live on First” Fridays will then continue after 6 pm in the Courtyard at the Blue Bay Inn, 51 First Ave, until 9 pm.  

Atlantic Highlands creative placemaking team strategizing

Atlantic Highlands, a quaint Victorian town, with a strong and growing Arts Council, attracts local residents and visitors to its numerous events and programs throughout the year, highlighting many of the talented local artists.  “Live on First” Fridays is another great opportunity to feel the “arts” in Atlantic Highlands, with events that can be enjoyed by families. 

Chuck Lero, President of the Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce, advises individuals to go to the Chamber website at www.atlantichighlands.org for a schedule of musical groups and activities for the Friday events.  Chuck also says that many local businesses will stay open later than usual to accommodate visitors and residents in our town.

AHAA is a collaboration among businesses, artists, social organizations and local government to enhance the thriving Atlantic Highlands Arts scene. The AH Arts Alliance was formed in 2011 by a community creative placemaking team being coached by Arts Build Communities.

The team includes a diverse group of Atlantic Highlands residents, businesspeople and other stakeholders, including  Mr. Lero, Robert O’Connor of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council, Mayor Fred Rast, and Dido Krikorian of the Blue Bay Inn.  They started working together to see how the arts could help enhance their downtown and build better relationships among residents and different groups within Atlantic Highlands.  Arts Build Communities coaches helped the team build its capacity to develop, prioritize and implement strategies to meet its goals.

For more information about Live on First, please contact the Chamber office at 732 872-8711, or visit www.atlantichighlands.org.   Emails can be sent to info@AtlanticHighlands.org

Community coaching is an innovative program that provides municipalities, counties and regions with an Arts Build Communities coach who helps teams move toward their creative placemaking goals more effectively.  As of May 2012, ABC has worked or is working with Atlantic Highlands, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and coastal Monmouth County in New Jersey.   Any community within 2 1/2 hours of Newark, NJ is eligible to receive community coaching

Learn more about community coaching.  Please feel free to contact ABC Director Leonardo Vazquez by email or at  848-932-2747