The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank has announced a partnership with OceanFirst Bank, resulting in the renaming of its cinema to Basie Center Cinema House powered by OceanFirst Bank. The sponsorship, valued at $100,000, will fund upgrades including a new exterior awning, updated branding, and renovations to restrooms and building facilities to ensure ADA accessibility.
The multi-year agreement aims to modernize the movie-going experience while maintaining the theater’s role as a key entertainment venue in Red Bank. “The Basie Center Cinema House powered by OceanFirst Bank is an investment in both culture and community,” said Christopher D. Maher, OceanFirst Bank chairman and chief executive officer. “The cinema has been a special place for the Red Bank community for a long time and we are proud to be a part of its evolution.”
Originally opened in 1971, the theater was acquired by the Count Basie Center for the Arts in 2020. It now serves as a venue for independent films, festivals, educational programs, community events, private rentals, parties, and live radio plays. The revitalization project is part of the Basie Center’s Centennial Celebration marking its 100th year in Red Bank.
“OceanFirst Bank shares our belief that an independent movie theater is an important part of Red Bank’s charm and sense of community. This partnership reflects the commitment of our board, our supporters, and OceanFirst Bank to not only preserve the cinema but to make it accessible to everyone,” said Adam Philipson, president and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. “The rebranding will help up reimagine the Cinema House as an even more welcoming space, where we can present festivals, new releases, retro programs, educational offerings and more. We are grateful for OceanFirst Bank’s support and for the thousands of patrons who come through our doors each year and make this space come alive as a true art house.”
In addition to corporate sponsorship from OceanFirst Bank, a separate philanthropic grant from OceanFirst Foundation was recently awarded to support workforce development initiatives at the Basie Center. This program focuses on economic empowerment and inclusive opportunities specifically targeting bilingual Spanish-speaking residents in Monmouth County; it has received support from OceanFirst Foundation since its inception in 2024.
“At OceanFirst Foundation, we’re proud to continue our support of the Basie Center’s workforce development program – a powerful initiative that opens doors and creates pathways to success,” said Katherine Durante, executive director at OceanFirst Foundation. “The Basie Center’s dedication to fostering inclusive opportunities has delivered meaningful impact, and we’re honored to help sustain and grow this important work.”
“Partnerships like these are essential to our work as a nonprofit organization,” said Jeremy Grunin, chair of the Board for the Count Basie Center for the Arts.”The upgrades to the Basie Center Cinema House and the investment in our workforce development program demonstrate what is possible when mission-driven organizations and community-minded partners come together.”
