(NEWARK, NJ) -- The SMU National Center for Arts Research (NCAR) announced that Newark, New Jersey, as part of the Newark, NJ-PA Metro Division, is the 9th most arts-vibrant community in the nation. NCAR’s third annual Arts Vibrancy Index ranked more than 900 communities across the country, taking a detailed look at the supply, demand, and government support for the arts in each area.

Newark Arts is given special credence in the report as being dedicated to “bringing the transformative power of the arts into the lives of those who live in, work in, and visit Newark through programs advocacy, promotion, education, and coordination.” The Newark Arts Education Roundtable is also mentioned for its work as a “consortium of over 50 arts organizations in Newark that are involved in supporting or providing arts education services to children in Newark during in- and out-of-school time.”

“We couldn’t be more gratified that the city of Newark is being recognized as a hotbed of America’s arts and culture, and that Newark Arts is a driving force behind that recognition,” said Newark Arts Executive Director, Jeremy Johnson.

Johnson will report on “The State of the Arts in Newark” at Newark Arts’ Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. This not-to-be-missed free public meeting is to take place at Express Newark, 54 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ. Johnson will announce the 2017-18 ArtStart Grant winners. More than 50 applications from community arts organizations were received, a 100% increase over the previous year. Also during this press-worthy occasion, Newark Arts will present a new slate of Board Members to the public.

As the home to hundreds of artists, arts organizations, cultural institutions and community-based foundations, it is easy to see why Newark has been named one of the most vibrant cities for arts in the nation. Every artist, advocate, administrator, board member, creative professional and community leader is encouraged to join in this important convening of stakeholders on June 13th at Express Newark.

Light snacks and drinks will be provided. It is free, open to the public and all are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Nikki@NewarkArts.org.

For more information, please visit newarkarts.org and the NCAR website at smu.edu/artsresearch.

PHOTO: Paul Robeson Galleries in Express Newark (Halkin Mason Photography, Courtesy of KSS Architects and Rutgers-University Newark).