THEATRE$15K
2026 PREMIER AWARD
Premiere Stages at Kean University
A theatre-focused Premier Award supporting four new works from the Premiere Play Festival.
Read the announcement ↗For more than 60 years
EXCELLENCEINMOTION.
We support the artists, ideas and communities that keep culture moving forward.
Scroll to discover
// 01 · THE NAME
Four arts.
One foundation.
Move around the name that has carried a commitment to artistic excellence for more than six decades.
// 02 · THE LEGACY
A legacy
in motion.
Music, dance, theatre and visual arts orbit the same purpose: give artists room to create, grow and be seen.
// 03 · THE PLACE
Madison,
New Jersey.
The camera leaves the name, finds the world, and closes in on the Foundation's home base in New Jersey.
// 04 · THE IMPACT
From New Jersey,
far beyond it.
Supporting artistic possibility through music, dance, theatre and visual arts — one artist, one work and one community at a time.
SEE HOW THE IMPACT MOVES →FOUNDATION LOCATIONMadison · New Jersey · USA
SCROLL TO TRAVEL ↓
// NOW
What the arts
make possible.
Current programs and people receiving support from the Foundation.
COMMUNITY4
2026 COMMUNITY ARTS
Four creative projects funded
Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Masterwork Chorus, Found Sound Circle and FJK Dance.
Meet the awardees ↗A LIFE IN THE ARTS
ARTIST STORIES
R. Wayne Walters
Educator, conductor, soloist and composer — recipient of the first A Life in the Arts Award.
Watch + discover →// PROGRAMS
Four disciplines.
One commitment.
Masterwork advances cultural and educational pursuits across music, dance, theatre and visual arts.
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Music
Performance, composition and community programs that strengthen musical life.
↗
Dance
Artists and ensembles using movement to connect, challenge and inspire.
◐
Theatre
New theatrical works and storytelling given the support to move from page to stage.
◆
Visual Arts
Creative work that expands how communities see, understand and experience the world.
Fund a major new work.
The Foundation’s largest award rotates across music, dance, theatre and visual arts.
Explore →Bring creativity closer.
Grants support individuals and organizations creating community-focused arts programming.
Explore →Back the next voice.
Recognition and support for developing artists demonstrating excellence in their field.
Explore →// A LIFE IN THE ARTS
Experience is
part of the archive.
An ongoing interview series celebrating individuals who have dedicated their lives to artistic pursuit. The redesigned site gives the series its own destination instead of hiding it inside general navigation.
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Stories become another way to support the next generation.
// IMPACT
Every gift.
Back to the arts.
Masterwork states that 100% of gifts benefit artists through its grants and awards.
100%of gifts benefit artists
60+years supporting the arts
$15K2026 Premier Award in Theatre
42026 Community Arts grants
// ANGEL’S CIRCLE
Give at the level
that feels like you.
A donor journey designed to feel simple, warm and transparent before handing off to secure Aplos payment.
// OUR STORY
A vision that
keeps expanding.
Masterwork began in Morristown, New Jersey, from Shirley May’s belief that developing artists deserved nourishment and communities deserved a richer cultural life.
Shirley May’s vision
Concerts, theatre and fine arts projects helped generations of artists and audiences.
Renewed commitment
Following Shirley May’s passing, the organization recommitted to expanding her vision.
65th celebration
The Foundation marked a major anniversary while honoring R. Wayne Walters and showcasing awardees.
A wider digital stage
A modern platform for grants, artist stories, giving, news, video and future growth.
// JOURNAL
Current stories,
without the clutter.
A CMS-driven news hub can replace the split experience between Wix and Blogger.
SEP 14, 2026 · DANCE
Hudson Valley Dance Festival day trip
A community invitation connecting audiences with extraordinary dance for a cause.
Read ↗SEP 10, 2026 · A LIFE IN THE ARTSR. Wayne Walters + Father Kenneth E. Lasch
A special conversation exploring the story behind “Ode to the Sea.”
Read ↗AUG 01, 2026 · PREMIER AWARD$15,000 Premier Award to Premiere Stages
Support for four new theatrical works emerging from the Premiere Play Festival.
Read ↗// LEADERSHIP
Small team.
Deep commitment.
The RFP describes an agile organization with two part-time staff and a 13-member Board of Directors.
PresidentTony Javed
Vice PresidentMathews Philips
TreasurerJoseph White
Executive DirectorTodd Whitley
AdministratorAlice Glock
Board Leadership
Maria Blanco · Joen Ferrari · Alice Glock · Kico Govantes · Salomi Massaras · Carol May · John Thomas · Eileen White · Eric Hafen
Advisory Board
Hadiza Dockeray · Mina (Lavinia) Ruby · R. Wayne Walters
// CONTACT
Start a
conversation.
Questions about grants, programs, partnerships or the Foundation? Send a message directly to the Masterwork team.
// CONNECT
The work continues
beyond the page.
Video, news and social channels can be managed from the CMS without rebuilding the site.