Newark Arts

Newark Arts is a key anchor institution that drives Newark as a global City of the Arts. Founded in 1981, Newark Arts has elevated Newark’s arts and culture ecosystem for the benefit of all Newarkers. Newark Arts’ overarching strengths are that it is a trusted intermediary, key collaborator, cultural vanguard/catalyst, and marketing machine for the city. By demonstrating Newark as a model of creative placemaking, we fuel Newark’s vibrancy and drive the arts as an economic lever for urban America.

Newark Arts accomplishes its goals through direct funding and grant distribution to artists, fiscal sponsorship, arts advocacy, creative placemaking, marketing, arts education access, artist professional development, various cultural initiatives, strategic partnerships and major event coordination, with a focus on providing arts access in every ward.

The organization also presents the annual Newark Arts Festival, featuring diversified art and performance programming in vacant retail and public spaces, resulting in an immersive and energetic cityscape. The festival includes both nationally recognized and emerging creatives while providing attendees the opportunity to shop and purchase the work of 500+ artists in open studios, artisan shops and galleries. Voted NJ’s Favorite Visual Art Festival and earning the 2018 and 2019 JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Award, Newark Arts Festival attendance grows year over year as its multifaceted and culture-rich programming continues to gain the attention of art enthusiasts and buyers.