Newark Arts Festival Open Calls extended to June 10th, 2025. Click here to apply.
Newark Arts Festival Open Calls extended to June 10th, 2025. Click here to apply.
What’s your JOY?
At Newark Arts Festival 2025, we’re embracing JOY as a bold, creative force that sustains, uplifts, and sparks transformation. We invite artists to channel the power of joy to foster strength, harmony, and revolutionary change. Through art and ideas, we center JOY – the golden state of being that connects us to our humanity.
Looking for Inspiration?
The Newark Arts Festival team has curated a playlist that captures this vibrant theme, filled with tunes that embody the feeling of joy and its many expressions. Press play on our curated playlist and let the sounds of joy fuel your creativity!
Listen to our curated Spotify Playlist – Updated WEEKLY!
Want to participate in NAF 2025?
Open Calls extended to June 10th, 2025
All applicants can expect a response on or before July 31, 2025.
Have some questions? Read through our FAQs
INVISIBLE
Is there a fee to apply?
Yes, there is a $10 application fee to participate in the Newark Arts Festival. This small fee helps offset the administrative costs associated with processing, reviewing, and responding to the high volume of submissions we receive each year.
We’re committed to keeping the Festival accessible and artist-friendly, so this fee is intentionally kept low. It ensures we can continue offering a professional, well-organized platform for creatives while maintaining free access to the public and providing meaningful support to participating artists.
Do I have to be a Newark or New Jersey–based artist to apply?
Not at all. While we center Newark artists and creatives, the Festival is open to regional, national, and international participants. That said, we do encourage proposals that connect meaningfully to Newark’s vibrant culture and communities.
If I choose to donate, is the impact sustainable in Newark?
Yes — 100%. Your donation directly supports programs that engage local artists, youth, and communities year-round. From arts education to public art and community partnerships, your gift fuels a long-term, sustainable creative ecosystem in Newark.
Why do I need a Submittable account to apply?
Submittable is our official application platform. It helps us keep everything organized, track submissions, and communicate with artists efficiently. Creating an account is quick, secure, and ensures you stay in the loop throughout the selection process.
Is there a deadline for applying to NAF 2025?
Yes — the deadline to apply is June 1st at 11:59pm. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on deadlines, guidelines, and opportunities.
What are my perks as a sponsor for the event?
Sponsors receive year-round visibility, VIP access, exclusive event invitations, and recognition across festival materials — plus the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Newark’s cultural renaissance. Sponsorship packages are customizable to meet your brand’s goals. Fill out the sponsorship form on our NAF landing page to receive a call back from a Newark Arts representative who can give you more information about sponsorships and partnerships.
When is the Festival and where does it take place?
The Newark Arts Festival typically takes place each October across multiple venues citywide — from galleries and museums to pop-up spaces and public art sites. Sign up for our newsletter for specific dates and locations for NAF 2025.
What can I expect as an attendee? What kinds of events are happening?
You can look forward to a citywide celebration of creativity, culture, and community.
The Newark Arts Festival features:
- Visual art exhibitions
- Live performances
- Artist talks and panels
- Film screenings
- Interactive experiences
- Family-friendly programming
- Immersive pop-ups and more
It’s truly designed for everyone — whether you’re an art enthusiast, a creative professional, or just looking for something new to explore.
Newark Arts Festival 2025 (NAF 2025) will turn the city into a canvas for art, music, and culture. We’re bringing JOY to life through bold exhibitions, live performances, thought-provoking talks, family friendly programming, and much more.
Whether you’re deep in the arts or simply curious, NAF2025 invites you to experience Newark in living color.
NAF 2025 will include:
Newark Arts Honors
The Gold Ball
Solo Exhibition at Newark ArtSpace @ Vermella Broad Street
NAF 2025 Group Exhibitions
Intimate Conversation + Performance with a Grammy-Nominated Artist
Art Night Out
NAF Kids 2025
Newark Arts Festival 2025 (NAF 2025) will turn the city into a canvas for art, music, and culture. We’re bringing JOY to life through bold exhibitions, live performances, thought-provoking talks, family friendly programming, and much more.
Whether you’re deep in the arts or simply curious, NAF2025 invites you to experience Newark in living color.
NAF 2025 will include:
…and so much more throughout the city.
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Be the first to hear about special guest curators, pop-ups, and ticket releases.
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Be the first to hear about special guest curators, pop-ups, and ticket releases.
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Be the first to hear about special guest curators, pop-ups, and ticket releases.
Be A Sponsor at Newark Arts Festival 2025
We invite you to become a sponsor of the Newark Arts Festival 2025
DONATE
Your donation to Newark Arts helps us bring our mission—“Powering the Arts to Transform Lives”—to fruition in powerful ways. The Newark Arts Festival is a prime example of how the arts fuel economic growth, foster cultural pride, and bring our community together. By supporting us, you play a vital role in shaping Newark’s future as a thriving cultural hub—join us in creating lasting impact through the transformative power of the arts!
Photos by KB Visualz Studios