JOY Lives Here

Capturing Newark’s creativity and community through the voices of those who embody joy.

Mentorship in Motion

An exhibition of student work created under the guidance of renowned artist Genesis Tramaine.

Step into the spirit of JOY

More than merch; a keepsake, created in celebration of community, creativity, and the spirit of JOY.

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Newark Arts Council (NAC, aka Newark Arts) is a key anchor institution that drives Newark as a global City of the Arts.  Founded in 1981, for the past 43 years, Newark Arts has invested over $1 million into Newark’s creative ecosystem, funding more than 354 community-based projects.
Every donation helps fund our continued mission of powering the arts to transform lives.

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JOY LIVES HERE

JOY Lives Here is the story engine of Newark Arts Festival 2025: JOY. Through film, photography, and collaboration, the campaign celebrates artists for whom joy is not just a theme but the source of their inspiration, nurtured within Newark’s creative community.

Gallery Hours

Ode to Joy – at the Newark Museum of Art 
Closing November 2, 2025 

Museum hours: 
Thursday & Friday 12-7pm 
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm 

 

The King Has Spoken – at Kaplan Art Gallery @ Bloomfield College
Closing November 10, 2025 

Gallery hours:
Monday to Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-5pm

 

Perspectives – at Newark ArtSpace
On viewing through November 26, 2025 

Gallery hours:
Thursday & Friday 11am-5pm
Saturday 12-5pm
All other days by appointment only 

 

Pure Joy – at Express Newark
On view through November 26, 2025 

Gallery hours:
Monday to Wednesday 12-5pm
Thursday 12-8pm
Saturday 12-5pm 

 

Sanctuary of Joy – at First Church of Newark
On view through December 2, 2025 

Gallery hours:
Saturday 10am-2pm

 

Elation – at Nico Kitchen + Bar 
On view through February 2, 2026 

Open hours: 
Tuesday to Friday 11:30am-8pm 
Saturday 3-8pm

 

Collective Power – at Victoria Foundation
On view through April 12, 2026 

By appointment only

 

Joy Lives Here. So Should You.

October 8–12, Newark becomes a citywide celebration of music, art, and radical joy.

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LOOK BACK AT NAF2024

    From Iconic Nights to Citywide Adventures 

    Exhibitions, performances, block parties, community events, and immersive art experiences all week long. 

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    TICKETS

    Choose your moment of JOY 

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      Come for the Festival. Stay for the City.

      Explore Newark’s art, food, nightlife, and culture between every show and gallery.

      Looking for Inspiration?

      We curated an eclectic playlist that captures JOY in all its forms. From quiet moments of peace to bold bursts of celebration, from revolutionary anthems to soft, reflective melodies—this is joy, in every shade and sound. Press play and let it inspire you. Updates bi-weekly. 

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      NAF IS ICONIC

      Take a look through the most iconic moments from the Newark Arts Festival

      GUEST CURATORS

      Abigail Alabré

      Guest curator Abigail Alabre

      Abigail Alabré is a Newark-based curator, creative entrepreneur, and founder of LoveLanguage Inc., home to The Art Walk, Love. For over three years, she has curated transformative art experiences locally and internationally, including shows in London and New York Fashion Week. She has partnered with Newark Arts, the Newark Downtown District, and other cultural institutions to reimagine city streets and venues as immersive galleries. Known for her ability to gather artists and communities in powerful ways, Abigail creates experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and connection. Guided by faith and innovation, she continues to expand her mission of making art accessible and impactful across communities.

      Bailey Li

      Guest curator Abigail Alabre

      Bailey Li is a self-realized visual artist and interior designer. She has spent 10 years specializing in commercial and residential design and became a visual artist in the process when she started painting abstract murals for her clients. Bailey’s real launch into her career as a professional artist came after EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg purchased two of her installation pieces and encouraged her to continue her mission to create art celebrating the feminine and freedom. Bailey has made a reputation for herself through her famous murals and wall textures. Her breathtaking walls combined with her fresh and fearless design perspective are what make her stand out in the industry.

      Forsa La Familia

      Guest curator Abigail Alabre

      Forsa La Familia is a DJ duo and cultural partnership between Marcy DePina and Tawana Meck, known for curating upscale, arts-forward experiences rooted in music, culture, and community locally and internationally. As co-founders of The House Blend, they explore joy, ritual, and storytelling through immersive environments. Marcy is an ethnomusicologist, cultural entrepreneur, and media producer with a career spanning radio, television, and international festivals. She currently serves as Executive Director of Newark City Parks Foundation and CEO of FORSA! Media Group. Tawana is a globally experienced curator and producer, originally from Zimbabwe, with a background in high-profile music and event production for brands like Vogue, Moët, UNICEF, and Unversal Standard. He currently serves as Program and Operations Manager for Newark City Parks Foundation. Together, they lead the curation and execution of festivals, public programming, and artistic activations locally and globally, demonstrating their deep experience working across indoor, outdoor, public, and nontraditional spaces alike.

      Dontae T. Muse

      Guest curator Abigail Alabre

      Meet Dontae, one of the passionate minds behind the Harlem Fine Arts Show. D. Muse is a visionary art-repreneur and a leading voice in artist business development. He has over 17 years of experience in the art and design industry, specializing in creative direction, art consultancy, curation, and marketing communications. Through his gallery, Above Art Studios, and his bestselling books, he empowers artists to navigate the intersection of creativity and commerce. His advocacy for artists’ rights and fair compensation underscores his commitment to building a sustainable and thriving arts ecosystem. You can follow Dontae on Instagram at iamdmuse.

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      Share the JOY

      Join thousands of artists, innovators, and culture lovers from across the nation at New Jersey’s largest arts festival.

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      SPONSORS

      Prudential-black
      NJEDA logo
      NJCA Discover J Arts
      city of newark logo
      Festivals United
      The Newark Museum Of Art
      Vermella logo
      Express Newark logo

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