The Count Basie Center for the Arts (The Basie) has been led by Adam Philipson since 2012. Adam has an extensive background in the arts and has developed exemplary educational and community outreach programs throughout his career.

The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. The Basie’s Performing Arts Academy educates more than 1,000 students a year, utilizing every bit of administrative space at the theater for classes. As part of a larger $23 million expansion project, The Basie knew they needed to add additional space for their educational programming. In 2019, Grunin Foundation partnered with The Basie to break ground on a dedicated arts and education building (The Grunin Arts and Education Building), which will is set to open in 2021.

The Grunin Arts and Education Building will break down the silos of The Basie’s education programs and propel a renewed commitment to cross-collaboration, incubation, and partnership. The new space will inspire all students – from families taking dance classes to teachers attending professional development workshops – to embrace the arts and weave The Basie experience into their everyday lives and work. The Grunin Arts and Education Building will house new classrooms, space for teaching artists, rehearsal studios, a hub for research and non-profit collaboration, and second performance space for up-and-coming artists to develop into tomorrow’s main stage attractions.

Count Basie Center for the Arts’ continued pledge to deepen its commitment to cultural competency, racial equity and social inclusion is at the heart of its mission as a nonprofit. The arts foster unity, are inclusive and promote diversity. The Grunin Education Building will provide equitable access to the arts and will allow all to come together to learn, create and perform.