Earlier this year, Monmouth Arts was chosen as one of four community-based organizations in New Jersey to receive funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the New Jersey Coastal Management Program, Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, to support artists in the creation of original, site-specific artwork that addresses the theme of climate resilience and coastal flooding. 

Through this Community-Based Art Grant Program, Monmouth Arts is partnering with artist Lynn Needle, founder of Art of Motion, Inc. – a non-profit educational and cultural organization and home to the Art of Motion Dance Theatre, to bring her immersive performance “The Poseidon Project – An Aquatic Myth” to the community of Long Branch. Performed as a suite with live music and dance, the narrative will include seven choreographed sections, each connecting to aquatic myth, legend, and nature. It will feature violinist Francesco Osto of the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra, percussionist Teddy Gibbons, a local multigenerational Surfer Chorus, and a guest appearance from the Roxey Ballet of Lambertville, NJ. Costume design and construction by Annie Hickman will feature upcycled fabrics and materials. The performance will culminate with an appearance by a mermaid.