WALK WITH US! | NEWARK GROUNDS: CULTURAL CORRIDOR CRAWL

Project for Empty Space (PES) has announced a new initiative called Newark Grounds, a walkable cultural corridor featuring more than 75 consecutive public artworks and dedicated arts and culture spaces in Downtown Newark, New Jersey. This project derives from a collaboration with the City of Newark Division of Art and Cultural Affairs, the City of Newark Arts and Education District, the City Parks Foundation, Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau, Newark Arts, the Four Corners Public Arts Partnership, and the Rutgers University-Newark Design Consortium. The initiative will establish an arts path connecting Newark Pennsylvania Station to Teachers Village and will officially kick off during the Newark Arts Festival with a corridor crawl on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5 PM to 9 PM.

“We are thrilled to be among the strategic partners that have brought Newark Grounds to life. It means so much to be launching a new arts and cultural corridor that will serve as a vibrant portal to creativity in the heart of our city, during the Newark Arts Festival. This initiative truly highlights the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to ensuring that Newark continues to thrive as a premier destination for arts and culture.” – Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Executive Director, Newark Arts

Newark Grounds will present the works of over 75 artists, integrating the public art projects from Four Corners Public Arts, Project for Empty Space, the Gateways to Newark: Portraits, and select pieces from New Jersey Transit’s public art program located at Newark Pennsylvania Station. It is strategically situated in the newly formed Arts and Education District, announced by Mayor Ras J. Baraka in Fall 2022.

“Newark Grounds was conceived by artists, students, residents, and organizations to create a space dedicated to celebrating the arts and supporting artists. This initiative unites private and public partners who recognize the significant impact that art can have on cities and commun(ities). Our hope is to establish this area as a walkable zone for experiencing art and bridge several existing programs through thoughtful navigation and collaborative programs” – Jasmine Wahi and Rebecca Pauline Jampol, Co-Directors, Project for Empty Space.

By placing this initiative at the heart of Newark’s Arts and Education District, we hope to highlight the numerous grassroots arts efforts within our city. Residents and visitors will have a chance to explore this new vision for the area defined by arts, culture, equity, and sustainability. The key is to ensure that the district serves as a destination to live, work, shop, learn and play.” – Victoria Walker, Newark Arts and Education District

This initiative will provide a platform for continued public arts programming over the next two years, enhancing the existing spaces with additional murals, installations, sculptures, performances, streetscape enhancements including wayfinding and lighting, and cultural programming. Engaging community discussions have been held over the last year to establish support for this endeavor. The initial phase of this work is supported by an A. R. T. grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

In partnership with Rutgers University-Newark Arts Culture and Media Department, Professor Chantal Fischzang and students from the Design Consortium crafted the name and brand identity for Newark Grounds. This direction was shaped over an entire year of community engagement sessions with diverse stakeholders. It takes inspiration from the late Amiri Baraka’s “Ballad of the Morning Street,” illuminating the city’s palette and the spirit of its people.

The Design Consortium is a student-faculty creative studio that engages in curriculum-driven collaboration with our community. Our students become involved in a thorough, semester-long research process that provides invaluable work experience while enabling them to create impactful projects. We take immense pride in this cohort and their collaborative efforts to shape a public space that considers all audiences and supports the work of the city and its partners – Rutgers-Newark Professor Chantal Fischzang

Visiting professor and alumni Gisela Ochoa has been commissioned to create a walking map for Newark Grounds, which will be revealed on October 11th, along with programming provided by various arts and culture spaces throughout the corridor.

October 11th Programming includes:

• Teachers Village: Pop-up exhibitions at Artfront Galleries (44 William Street), alongside events at permanent venues such as Source of Knowledge Bookstore (867 Broad Street) and Brilliant Smiles (237 Halsey Street.) Events will take place from 6 PM – 9 PM.
• Edison Place: Art spaces including Project for Empty Space and Obscura Darkroom will be open from 5 PM to 8 PM at 800 Broad St.
• Mulberry Commons: The City Parks Foundation will present the Newark Night Market from 6 PM – 9 PM.
• IRONSIDE NEWARK at 110 Edison Place: Project for Empty Space will unveil a second gallery space facing the park. Space will be open from 5 PM – 9 PM.

During the Newark Arts Festival, Have You Met Newark will offer free public art tours, highlighting a selection of artworks and artist stories for those who would like to be the first to travel to Newark Grounds. Sign Up Here.