A new arts center will soon open in Jersey City after years of work and planning.

Nimbus Dance – a contemporary dance company – now has a new home inside the Lively, a Jersey City high-rise building. The dance company was founded 15 years ago by choreographer Samuel Pott.

“It’s honestly hard to put into words how important this moment is,” says Pott.

Four dance studios and a theater space are still being finished. The Nimbus Arts Center at The Lively will house Nimbus Dance, its school and a number of resident arts organizations.

"The contribution that this arts center will make to the way that people in Jersey City will engage with the arts is just really almost limitless,” says Pott.

The opening celebration will take place virtually because of the pandemic. It will feature virtual performances. Pott says that while it is not the kickoff that he envisioned, he looks forward to when performances and audiences will be welcomed inside the studio.

“It is our hope that when we make it through this period that the arts are going to be what people turn to to rebuild,” he says.

Nimbus Dance is now fundraising to cover its remaining construction costs and to complete the purchase of theater equipment.

More information about the arts center and Saturday’s virtual grand opening can be found on the Nimbus Arts Center at The Lively website.