CAPE MAY -The city has scheduled a news conference Thur., Jan. 26 at noon to announce and explain the establishment of a formal partnership agreement between the City of Cape May and the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey for the initial purpose of presenting summer concerts, professional children’s theater productions, and additional performing arts events during the next two years.

City Council will approve a formal resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Convention Hall Concert Series Agreement on behalf of the City. Officials of Cape May and Stockton College will participate in the formal signing ceremony during a special City Council meeting/news conference.

This formal partnership is an important element in the city’s long-range sustainability and economic development initiatives that will enable Cape May to provide the quality of life that motivates individuals and families to live and/or work in this National Historic Landmark City and encourages visitors to seek The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort as a premier tourism destination, according to a press release.

As a result of three months of intensive information gathering and exchange, extensive dialogue regarding both parties’ long-range needs and desired outcomes, and the exploration of logistical issues, this partnership is now designed to produce exposure and participation in a wide array of arts and cultural events which will continue to transform our community’s landscape while solidifying our economic vitality. The Stockton Performing Arts Center will partner with Cape May’s new Department of Tourism, Civic Affairs and Recreation as well as the city’s new Tourism Utility to present performing arts events during the next two calendar years.

This joint venture will be known as “Stockton Goes to the Beach” which ironically will be housed in the new, multi-purpose Convention Hall located at the intersection of Stockton Place and Beach Avenue. Representatives of the Stockton Performing Arts Center will distribute additional copies of pertinent media releases detailing the specific schedule of events, pricing, and descriptions of the various performers and events.

In related news, this new, 20,000 square foot Convention Hall will be unveiled during a grand opening May 26 at 10 a.m.

Officials of the City of Cape May and the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey are utilizing this initial performing arts agreement as a fundamental step in establishing a comprehensive, mutually beneficial working relationship that addresses long-term priority needs of both parties, according to a press release.