Dover, NJ – The public is invited to an open house on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 3:00-6:00 P.M. at The Amp, a new multidisciplinary arts hub located on 10 N. Warren Street in Dover. The 11,000-square-foot facility features a black box performance area, gallery space, classrooms, art studios, and a ceramics center equipped with a two electric kilns. During the open house, community members of all ages are invited to explore The Amp and enjoy live music, art activities, and tasty bites from local eateries.
Mariachi Dover will be performing, and artist Diego Rivas will be doing live art throughout the afternoon. Fine Artist Caitlin Lodato will guide attendees in creating a mosaic which will be displayed at The Amp. She will be leading activities for children as well. Light appetizers and desserts from Dover’s own Sabor Latino and Heaven will be available, along with a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Admission to the open house is free and all are welcome.
Creative Placemaking at The Amp
The Amp, built and managed by West Morris Capital, is home to a coordinated creative placemaking initiative that brings high-quality arts events and programs to Dover. Supporting this work is a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), part of its A.R.T. Phase II grant program. The NJEDA has invested $15 million in 39 organizations across the state that are revitalizing downtowns and increasing community access to the arts.
The $500,000 grant supports arts classes, performances, and events, facilitated by The Amp, Morris Arts, Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, and IDEA Cultural. Since February, these community partners have brought programs to The Amp including musical performances by Chambacú Latin Fusion, multi-media art classes for high schoolers, and an open mic night. More arts programming is in store including an arts day camp this summer for students ages eight to twelve.
“We want The Amp to be a place where community members from all walks of life can come to create art, experience art, and connect with one another,” said Walter F. Rodriguez, Executive Director of The Amp. “This open house is a great opportunity for the community to experience what we have to offer,” he continued.