A Westfield nonprofit announced plans Feb. 10 to transform the historic Rialto Theater into the Center for Creativity @ The Rialto.

The Rialto Theater first opened in 1922, before shuttering in 2019. The Westfield Arts Collective (WAC) has led efforts to resurrect and renovate the venue. Westfield residents founded the nonprofit with a mission to create an inclusive, collaborative environment that fosters creative innovation, supports education in the arts, and enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike.

At the center of this vision is the reimagining of this cherished landmark in the downtown business district.

Some of WAC’s efforts have so far included:

• Establishing a capital campaign to raise funds from government, foundation, corporate and individual sources
• Raising $5 million, to date, to purchase the property, create transformative designs, assess fundraising and develop business plans
• Developing design renderings in collaboration with New Jersey-based Mills + Schnoering Architects

WAC says the capital campaign will support the renovation of the Rialto. The work aims to transform the venue into a modern, flexible facility for artistic and community events.

The nonprofit stresses that this project is not just about preserving a historic building, but about sparking a cultural revival in Westfield – establishing an inspiring destination where artists and the community come together to create, collaborate and celebrate the arts in all its forms.

“Westfield is more than just a town – it’s a community filled with artists and dreamers,” said Bill Crandall, Westfield Arts Collective president. “Transforming the Rialto into a creative hub ensures that these voices have a place to be heard – and that the arts have a permanent home.”

More information on the project and WAC’s vision for the historic space is available here.

In other entertainment news:

• Robinson, Fogerty among 2025 American Music honorees
• Netflix at Fort Monmouth approved for $387M in Aspire tax credits
• North to Shore Festival sets 2025 return