SJCA Speaks at LEAD Gloucester County Panel on Tourism
š Mapping Culture, Powering Tourism: SJCA Highlights Regional Trends at LEAD GC
On April 4, 2025, South Jersey Cultural Alliance (SJCA) joined emerging local leaders for the Leadership Gloucester County (LEAD GC) program panel discussion on Tourism at Rowan College of South Jersey. The session, moderated by Claire Riggs of Riggs Creative Group, brought together public and private sector voices to explore the vital role that arts, history, and culture play in Gloucester Countyās tourism economy.
Representing SJCA, Executive Director Julie Hain joined an expert panel that included:
- Debbie Shapiro, Artistic Director, Marie Rader Presenting Series, Rowan University
- Erika Gardner, Administrator, Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission
- Deāvon Downs, Artist & Arts Administrator, Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Office
š§ Culture-Driven Tourism: Trends & Tools for Impact
The panel dove deep into emerging tourism trendsālike the growing demand for experience-based travel, heritage tourism, and cultural discoveryāand emphasized how South Jersey is perfectly positioned to meet this moment.
From historic icons like Red Bank Battlefield Park, to nationally recognized new attractions like the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, and high-quality performing arts programming like the Marie Rader Series at Rowan, Gloucester County offers a deep and diverse slate of cultural assets.
These experiences are more visible and more connected than ever, thanks to tools developed by SJCA, including:
š South Jersey Cultural Asset Map ā a growing database showcasing 400+ museums, venues, arts orgs, libraries, and cultural destinations
š± South Jersey Culture Trail Mobile App ā a GPS-based guide for exploring the regionās culture through curated themes and user-friendly trails
šŗļø South Jersey HiSTORY Trail StoryMap ā an immersive, interactive platform connecting visitors to over 200 historical sites.
It's not just history, though; there are many StoryMaps to choose from, showcasing all the art and culture in the region! SJCA is working to create or share content from South Jersey arts, history, and cultural organizations and artists. Engaging the audience digitally is the first step in engaging them in person!
āThese days, creating great digital content is essentialānot just to tell your story, but to actually get people through the doors and into your programs. At SJCA, weāve built tools like the South Jersey Cultural Asset Map and the Culture Trail Mobile App to help showcase the amazing artists, organizations, and events happening all across the region. Through cooperative marketing and shared storytelling, we help cultural groups of all sizes get seen, get supported, and connect with their communities. And when that happensāwhen people engage with the arts and recognize their valueāit doesnāt just strengthen our culture, it strengthens our economy. Arts and culture are core to healthy, connected communities and a thriving South Jersey.ā
šļø Arts as a Tool for Revitalization
Beyond headline attractions, panelists emphasized the power of community-rooted arts in building pride and catalyzing revitalization. One example was the FAF Coalition in Woodbury, which uses arts programming, murals, and creative placemaking to breathe new life into neighborhoods.
SJCA celebrates and supports these kinds of initiatives as part of our mission to connect and uplift the full cultural ecosystem, from major institutions to grassroots organizers.
š” SJCA's Role & Regional Impact
This panel wasnāt just a chance to talkāit was a powerful opportunity to demonstrate how SJCA supports the region with strategy, advocates for equitable investment, and fosters partnerships between cultural organizations, businesses, funders, and local government.
Our programs are rooted in our mission and vision:
- Mission: South Jersey Cultural Alliance connects, empowers, and advocates for artists, communities, and organizations to promote engagement and investment in arts and history in our region.
Vision: We envision an inclusive and vibrant South Jersey, where arts and history play a key role in everyone's life, boosting the region's economy, cultural identity, and overall well-being.
We do this by:
- š Connecting artists and organizations across counties and sectors
- š¢ Raising awareness of South Jerseyās rich cultural offerings
- š Demonstrating impact through data tools, storytelling, and tourism campaigns
ā
Letās Keep Building, Together
This panel concluded with a clear takeaway: the conversation isnāt overāitās just getting started. SJCA and our partners are committed to building strategies that make South Jersey a premier cultural tourism destination while nurturing the communities that make it so vibrant.
Want to be part of the movement?
š Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, opportunities, and regional stories:
https://sjca.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1a761a0753292df058675a525&id=b0159feecf
š Support the arts in South Jersey by donating or becoming a member:
https://www.sjca.net/support-sjca/
šÆ One-stop hub for all resources and links:
https://beacons.ai/sjca
Our region is full of hidden gems. Together, letās map our cultural assets, celebrate our heritage, and welcome every citizen and visitor to explore the uniqueness of South Jersey!
