On April 21, Georgian Court University, Lakewood, will host Restart the Arts Festival, a charity arts festival, in the Casino building on GCU’s historic Lakewood campus from noon to 10 p.m.

The all-day festival will showcase how powerful art can be in all forms. Attendees will have the opportunity to see dance performances, art galleries, poetry readings (original pieces or famous poems), musical performances, and local vendors, all from GCU students, staff, or faculty or from members of the local community. Indie bands like Creating Clementine, the Foxfires, and WATERMEDOWN will be performing throughout the festival.

The festival will donate 50 percent of ticket sales and vendor fees to help Ocean Academy, a charter school based in Bayville, incorporate the arts into its curriculum. Ocean Academy provides educational services to students (up to the age of 21) who need a more nurturing environment to reach their academic and social goals.

In an effort to give every student the education that they deserve, Ocean Academy works to successfully transition students back to districts or to complete graduation requirements. Ocean Academy works closely with Ocean Mental Health Services with students, family members, and school districts to provide support and services. One of Ocean Academy’s philosophies is incorporating art into the classroom to enrich students, alleviate stress/anxiety, and cultivate students’ potential. Students who are emotionally disturbed or have mental or physical disabilities thrive when art is brought into the classroom. The funds raised by the Restart the Arts Festival will help these students continue to flourish in their academic standing, but also allow each student to find his or her own voice.

Tickets are free for GCU students, though a donation to Ocean Academy is encouraged, and $10 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased online at https://georgian.edu/event/restart-the-arts-festival/ or at the door.