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originally published: 06/22/2020

(NEWARK, NJ) -- On June 22, 2020, Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced the recipients of the Creative Catalyst Fund awards to provide artists and art groups with flexible grant support during the Coronavirus crisis and beyond. The list of the awardees is attached.

The selection committee (comprised of community representatives, City staff and arts experts), recommended 120 artists, art collectives and cultural organizations for funding. 87 of the awards went to individual artists and collectives and 33 to arts groups. A total of 164 applications were received.

“Newark is a ‘City of the Arts,’ where access to spoken-word events, musical and dance performances, film, art exhibits, theatre offerings, museums and libraries add exponentially to our economic health,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “During the pandemic, our arts community has used its creativity to bring the arts to Newarkers in ways that have not risked spreading COVID-19.

“Our strategy to help Newark residents and businesses get through the pandemic includes attention to the health of the arts community, inclusive of small businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as our arts and cultural organizations. I appeal to foundations, businesses and private funders to join us in creating innovative strategies and public/private partnerships for funding the arts sector,” Mayor Baraka added.

The Fund will provide up to $1 million annually for at least the next three years, beginning with $750,000 provided by the City of Newark and $50,000 donated by the Community Foundation of New Jersey to seed the initiative. Contributions can be made through Newark Arts.

 

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In partnership with Newark Arts, the Creative Catalyst Fund will continue to support the local community of artists as well as small-to-midsize arts and cultural organizations, all of which provide social and economic value to the City of Newark by revitalizing neighborhoods, inspiring students, and generally improving the quality of life for city residents. The arts contribute more than $178 million to Newark’s economy, create more than 5,000 local jobs and generate $15.5 million in local and state taxes.

“Newark’s economic and cultural vibrancy is rooted in the arts community,” said Jeremy Johnson, Executive Director of Newark Arts. “We at Newark Arts are committed to working with the City of Newark to bolster the diverse core of artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses that are on the frontline of education, equity, and artistic expression. We will need art, and plenty of it to help emerge from the current crisis and to build on the recommendations of the Newark Creates cultural plan.”

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ARTIST FELLOWSHIP GRANTEES

Akintola Hanif, Andrece Brady, Amanda Thackray, Ammar Thomas, Angel Pelaez, Antoinette Montague, Alfonse Pagano, Boshia Raejean, Braxton Cook, Briana Robinson, Broadway Blake, Cesar Melgar, Charisa Dowe Rouse, Chrystofer Davis, Celeste A. Bateman, Christen Clifford, Daryl Stewart, Davynte Pannell, Dominique Duroseau, Elijah Bell, Elijah Minton, Gabriel Ribeiro, Geraluz, Grace Lynne Haynes, Ira Kherki Kaifa, Jasmine Graf, Jennifer Moore, Jenny P Scott, Jo-El Lopez, J Read, Justin Dinspechin, Kay the Kreator, Kevin Blythe Sampson, Khari Johnson-Ricks, Kevin Darmanie, Kwesi o kwarteng, Layqa Nuna Yawar, LeRon Lee, Marylou & Jerome Bongiorno, Mashell Black, Matt Gosser, Maurice Chestnut, Mia X, MODSAICA, Nene Aïssatou Diallo, Nelise Nasheida, Nimi Hendrix, Noelle Lorraine Williams, Noelle Park, Pamela Booker, Pamela Council, Patricia Dahlman, Pia Wilson, Prince Derek Doll, Randy Haze, Samantha Katehis, Shane Fuller, Spencer Fro, Tamara Remedios, Terence Dwight Grimsley, The Loud Project, TreZure Empire, Ursula Phillips, Victor L. Davson, Virgil Dorjo, Willie Cole, and Zunyda Watson.

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CREATIVE CATALYST FUND 2020 ARTIST FELLOWSHIP GRANTEES  

Akwaaba Gallery, Brazilian Cultural Center, Cement Gallery, Cazorla & Saleme, EvoluCulture, Gallery Retail, Newark Women in Film, Newark.FM, Parkway North Productions, Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate, Off The Rock, The Artist Recreates the World, The Honk-Tweet, and Vandalhaus Newark. 

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CREATIVE CATALYST FUND 2020 GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTEES

Al-Munir LLC, All Stars Project of New Jersey, Artfront Galleries, Artistic Passion and Purpose, Barat Foundation, Butterfly Dreamz, Inc., Clem's Place, Cultural Integration and Arts Association, DreamPlay Media, Four Corners Public Arts, Gallery Aferro, GlassRoots, Index Art Center, Ivy Hill Vailsburg Center for Arts Culture and Community Activism, Keys 2 Success, Inc., Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Newark Boys Chorus School, Newark Print Shop, Newark School of the Arts, Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc., Newark Symphony Hall, New Arts Justice at Express Newark, Paul Robeson Galleries, Project for Empty Space, Shine Portrait Studio, School of the Garden State Ballet, Spirit Performing Arts Inc., The HUBB Arts & Trauma Center, The New Jersey Historical Society, TRILOGY AN OPERA COMPANY, Uniao dos Clubes Luso Americanos of NJ, and YENDOR, LLC.