(NEWARK, NJ) --  If you are an artist with an idea for a community project, a resident seeking to collaborate with a local arts organization, a non-profit that is servicing Newark’s youth, or a school with an arts education program that needs funding, you may be eligible to receive an ArtStart grant from Newark Arts. 

Applications will open for the annual mini-grant program on Monday, January 24, 2022. ArtStart provides funding to organizations and individuals to create music, dance, theater, film, visual and literary art projects that benefit the residents and neighborhoods of Newark. Winning proposals will be awarded grants ranging up to $3,000.  Applications close on April 25, 2022.

“For 20 years, Newark Arts ArtStart grants have been catalytic in providing acess to the arts in every ward in Newark,” said Regina Barboza, Interim Executive Director of Newark Arts.  “These mini grants have advanced many innovative arts and culture programs and showcased Newark as a rich city of the arts. We always look forward to funding projects that enhance community arts and culture.”

ArtStart was established in 2001, with the mission to nurture arts and cultural activities throughout the city of Newark, especially for youth and under-served populations. Since its inception, Newark Arts has made more than 200 ArtStart grants, totaling approximately $550,000. 

ArtStart has funded schools of music and dance, local galleries, film and book projects, programs for children and seniors, and multidisciplinary community initiatives including neighborhood development plans. 

An ArtStart Information Session (required for first-time applicants) will be held via Zoom on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 1:00pm. RSVP by visiting newarkarts.org/artstart.

To apply and for more information, please visit newarkarts.org/artstart. Applications close on April 25, 2022. For more information, email heather@newarkarts.org.

The mission of Newark Arts 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, 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. 

Funding for ArtStart has been provided by The Prudential Foundation, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Turrell Fund, Bank of America, M&T Bank and TD Bank. 

PHOTO: Casey and her ukele at the "Keep Art Alive" Summer Program by STEAM Urban, ArtStart grantee 2021