(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Four Corners Public Arts partnership has announced the second phase of the program, taking place this Fall through the Spring of 2021. The expansion builds on the success of the 2019 program, which erected 14 murals, completed by over 100 artists, organizations and volunteers. It will continue to focus on enhancing high-need areas in the Four Corners Historical District through public art, public programming and streetscape improvements.
The second phase will concentrate on community-building through public art, extending a call for artists whose practice mandates social engagement. The submission process includes both a public works proposal and a strategy for engagement, which can include a local partnership with an organization, opportunity for youth involvement, workshop, performance, and more. In addition, new streetscape improvements will be a crucial part of this phase, to emphasize these spaces as places for everyone to convene and enjoy.
“Collaborations like the Four Corners Public Arts partnership help beautify and enliven our city, reminding us also of our sense of purpose, humanity, and collective work and responsibility,” Mayor Ras J. Baraka said.
This year’s phase is supported by the City of Newark’s Creative Catalyst Fund. The grant enabled the program to move forward despite the current global health and economic crisis. The partnership believes in this time of reopening, public art can play a vital role in bringing joy and vibrancy to our neighborhoods.
“As Newarkers emerge safely from our quarantine, public art is essential. It allows us to breathe freely, to experience expressions of beauty, justice, and equity along our streets and intersections. It’s exciting to anticipate Phase II of Four Corners Public Arts, which will engage artists to continue to enhance Newark’s reputation as a City of the Arts,” said Jeremy Johnson, Executive Director of Newark Arts.
A request for public art proposals is open to the public through Sunday, September 13, 2020. RFP details and the submission portal can be accessed at fourcornerspublicarts.org
Four Corners Public Arts was initiated in 2019 through a public/private partnership convened to support public arts initiatives in Newark’s historic district Fours Corners. The partnership includes The City of Newark, Invest Newark, Newark Downtown District, Newark Arts, RBH Group and Paramount Assets. The partnership evolved out of a common interest to give care to under acknowledged areas of the City through the arts, with the goal of cultivating creative communal space for everyone. At a time when Newark is undergoing a marked transformation, the partnership believes it is imperative to create opportunities that strengthen the local creative community.
"As a downtown Special Improvement District, the NDD supports projects that aim to revitalize downtown streets and corridors. Phase I resulted in the installation of murals displaying powerful and uplifting images while adding creative aesthetic to the built environment. The NDD is proud to be part of the second phase as it promotes economic development and enhances the quality of life in the district" says Mbacke Faye, NDD Urban Planner.
The NDD is dedicated to revitalizing downtown Newark by improving the economic viability of the central business district and enhancing the quality of life for residents, workers, students and visitors through supplemental services, marketing & physical improvement programs.
In 2016 Newark Downtown District participated in the transformation of the Amtrak retention wall on Route 21 in Newark, NJ into the country’s second-longest mural — approximately the length of 25 football fields. The “Gateways to Newark” project is the first of several entryway renewals and beautification projects that include public art, spurring economic growth, and markedly changing first impressions for travelers entering Newark. The Portraits mural represents NDD's continued commitment to those who live, labor, and leisure in downtown Newark.
Newark Arts’ mission is to power the arts to transform lives. Established in 1981 as the Newark Arts Council, the organization’s vision is to become a nationally recognized catalyst for the collaborative power of the arts in the City of Newark and urban America. Newark Arts is the producer of Newark Creates, a community-led citywide cultural plan, created in partnership with the City of Newark. Newark Arts’ key initiatives include Arts Education Newark (AEN), the ArtStart community grantmaking program, and the Newark Arts Festival. Newark Arts is generously supported by Prudential Financial, the City of Newark, M&T Bank, PSEG, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Victoria Foundation, Turrell Fund, Bank of America, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Verizon, United Airlines, Hanini Group and individuals, businesses and institutions.
