Apply to Newark Arts Festival 2026
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
25 Years. On Purpose.
For 25 years, Newark Arts Festival has not happened by accident. It has been built and sustained through care, collaboration, and a deep respect for the people and practices that shape Newark’s creative community.
“On Purpose” reflects how this Festival is created and what Newark Arts Council values. Every artist, performer, and program is selected with intention. Every experience is thoughtfully developed and presented with rigor. We believe in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and transform; and we are committed to supporting that work with integrity, responsibility, and care.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
For Visual Artists
Defined by Practice. Driven by Purpose.
As an artist applying to the Festival, we invite you to reflect on your own sense of purpose—why you make the work, why it matters, and why it belongs in this moment.
We are looking for work that is intentional and considered, with a clear point of view and a strong artistic voice. Submissions should demonstrate conceptual clarity, thoughtful execution, and a defined practice.
“On Purpose” is not about interpreting a theme; it is about showing the decisions, discipline, and meaning behind the work.
For Programmers
Independently Produced. Intentionally Selected.
Newark Arts Festival invites proposals from programmers producing independent events that align with the Festival’s standards and vision.
While the Festival is not providing funding or space in 2026, selected programs will be included in the official lineup and supported through Newark Arts Council’s marketing and communications channels.
We are seeking programming that is fully realized within its own venue, with a clear curatorial direction, defined audience, and strong execution. Participation offers the opportunity to connect your work to a broader, citywide platform and contribute to the collective energy of the Festival.
For Performers
Performance. Presented with Intention.
Newark Arts Festival invites performers to submit work for consideration as part of the 2026 Festival through a fully digital application process.
This year, all performance submissions will be reviewed based on submitted materials, with no in-person auditions. We are seeking performances that demonstrate a high level of skill, strong execution, and a clear artistic perspective. Work should reflect both technical ability and a developed practice, with attention to detail in concept, presentation, and delivery.
Selected performers will be featured across Festival programming, contributing to a dynamic, citywide experience that reflects the range and depth of Newark’s creative community.
Need Help?
Below is the recording of our May 26, 2026 virtual information session. Attendees got support from the NAF team, got to ask questions, and receive guidance on completing their application to the festival.
For additional questions, contact festival@newarkarts.org.
Let’s make Newark Arts Festival 2026 our most purposeful and purpose filled festival yet!
OPEN CALL: EXPRESS NEWARK – LEGACY PROJECT IN BOX GALLERY
Application due date: June 8, 2026 at 11:59pm
Artist Honorarium: $5000 + Up to $10K Production Budget
Express Newark (EN) is a hub for socially engaged practices in the Arts. Our educators, learners, artists, and community members come together to create, collaborate, and share stories that express our collective experience.EN will commission a Greater Newark artist to create an immersive, site-specific art installation in The Box Gallery. This space is 296 SF located on the third floor of EN and is open to the public six days a week. We have been cultivating the space, less about showcasing traditional art objects in a white cube gallery, as much as an experience that welcome passerby to sit and linger in the work.
The theme for EN from September 2026 – June 2027 is “Legacy” which marks our 10th anniversary. Specifically, for this call we would like to see proposals that consider this theme from various viewpoints, not just as what we inherit, but as what we actively shape and pass forward.We encourage you to take a moment to review our previous exhibitions on the EN website – we have a focus on contemporary art and support artists from all walks of life. You are more than welcome to do an in-person site visit at the times EN is open (Monday to Saturday 8am to 9pm).
A Greater Newark Artist is someone who lives, works, has a studio, has been active in the community, or has a close connection to Newark.The selected individual will be provided with an honorarium of $5,000.Other forms of support include access to a $10,000 production budget, curatorial, technical, administrative, marketing and preparator support.
How to apply:
Applications will only be accepted via email: contact_prg@newark.rutgers.edu
Subject Line: Legacy Open Call – Box Gallery
Applications should consist of:
1. Images
10 images of work related to the theme
File format: JPEG, 72 dpi, no larger than 1000 pixels (H & W)
File title: LAST NAME first name_#1
2. Image List
Cataloging details about the artworks, artist, title, date, medium, dimensions, may include a 100 word description
File format: PDF
File title: LAST NAME first name_images
3. Artist Statement
One statement, no longer than 500 words, about how your work relates to the theme.
File format: PDF
File title: LAST NAME first name_ statement
4. Artist Resume
One current resume/CV
File format: PDF
File title: LAST NAME first name_ resume
5. Proposal
One proposal, no longer than 500 words, about what you would like to do in the space. This should include a description of what, why, how you would achieve stated intention and draw a connection with past work (included in the images) as a reference.
File format: PDF
File title: LAST NAME first name_ proposal
Timeline:
Application due date: June 8, 2026 at 11:59pm
Exhibition opens: October 8, 2026 during Newark Arts Festival
Exhibition closes: July 31, 2026
Please note:
No late applications will be considered.
Please do not contact us about the status of your application, you will be notified in due course.