NJAI Names West Orange Residents Executive Director, Producing Director

The New Jersey Arts Incubator at OSPAC has named a two West Orange residents as the new executive director and producing director.

Andrea Susan Anderson will take over as the new executive director. She is the owner and president of Black Star Communications, a full-service entertainment agency. A former journalist, Susan has worked for major media organizations including The Star-Ledger, Associated Press, News America Inc. and North Jersey Media Group. She has also worked as a contract publicist for major corporations including Sony Urban Music.

 “I am honored that I have been named the next executive director of the NewJersey Arts Incubator. The arts are a key part of community life here in Essex County and David and I are looking forward to helping it grow with this organization,” said Anderson. 

David Peart will join as producing director. He will work with Anderson to engage the community through a variety of creative and diverse programming linked to the Incubator.

A West Orange resident, retired New York City detective and professional investigator, Peart manages the careers of various artists and has produced concerts across the United States. A former concert producer with a major NewYork City agency, and with a solid background in the nightclub industry, he has provided management and logistical support for some of the most popular venues in the tri-state area; overseeing not only large-scale concert events, but the day to day operations of select venues.

“I am thrilled that Susan and David are joining us at NJAI@OSPAC,” said founder and vice chair Amy Simon. “With their leadership I look forward to seeing the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center achieve the community, and artistic goals the township has always had for it, and for the New Jersey Arts Incubator to enter its second decade with a reenergized vision for artists and for the region.”

“This is a great opportunity for West Orange, OSPAC and the New Jersey ArtsIncubator,” said NJAI Chairwoman Lisa Scalora. “Susan is a long time West Orange resident with both producing and marketing experience, and she has a deep commitment to our township and the arts.”