New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


Mayor Baraka Announces Technical Assistance Program for Creative Spaces

originally published: 07/01/2024

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced on July 1, 2024 that the City of Newark Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for the Creative Space Accelerator, a technical assistance program supporting arts and cultural organizations undertaking capital projects related to their facilities and creative spaces. Five organizations will be selected to receive six months of training workshops and one-on-one consultations led by Artspace Consulting, a nonprofit organization specializing in artist-led community development.

"The arts are central to our work to transform Newark," Mayor Baraka said. "We have created housing for artists, an arts district in our downtown around Harriet Tubman Square, and unveiled and maintained the longest outdoor mural in the nation along McCarter Highway. When we support the arts, we strengthen our city economically and spiritually, enhancing its attractiveness to visitors and empowering our creative voices. This program will enable more artists to share this city's stories, and be Newark and Proud of It!"

Nonprofit organizations with arts- and culture-focused missions may apply by Thursday, August 1, for technical support on a specific creative space project, whether moving to a new facility or renovating or expanding an existing venue. Arts organizations that are incorporated as LLCs or are unincorporated collectives, as well as organizations based outside of Newark but interested in developing creative space in Newark, may contact the City's Division of Arts & Cultural Affairs to determine eligibility. Five organizations will be selected by the City staff and Artspace, and will receive six months of technical guidance on leadership, partnerships, project concept, cost analysis, location, funding, collaboration, and communication workshops beginning in Fall 2024.

"Artspace is delighted to partner on this program to help neighborhood organizations plan for the spaces they need to continue serving their communities," said Anna Growcott, Artspace Lead Consultant.

Mayor Baraka first indicated the City's commitment to supporting the development of dedicated space for arts and culture in the city in January 2020, alongside the appointment of fayemi shakur as the Arts and Cultural Affairs Director. The COVID pandemic highlighted the challenges and uncertainties of artists and cultural organizations in Newark, and as the city worked toward recovery, it became increasingly evident that its creative sector is integral to the economy and vibrancy of the city and quality of life of its citizens. The arts are estimated to contribute more than $178 million to Newark's economy, support roughly 5,000 local jobs and generate $15.5 million in local and state taxes.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



Future phases of this program will make several city-owned spaces available for renovation and leasing for cultural purposes. Details will be shared at a future date.

"We want to provide technical support to artistic and cultural organizations who have an interest in energizing present and future neighborhoods and generations of artists," said Director shakur. "Artists are not just creators, they are catalysts. This program will ultimately help cultivate the continued growth of our city's arts ecosystem."

Interested organizations may access the guidelines and application form on Submittable at https://cityofnewark-arts.submittable.com/submit. Questions about the program and its application process can be directed to fayemi shakur at: shakurf@ci.newark.nj.us.

Artspace is a nonprofit real estate organization dedicated to creating, fostering, and preserving affordable and sustainable housing and workspace for the creative workforce. We develop our properties to support stable, healthy communities rooted in existing assets.

Artspace Consulting is a division of Artspace that helps organizations plan for the space they need to deliver programs to their communities. We combine real estate tools with an understanding of the creative sector to help create spaces that are sustainable, affordable, and equitable.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



FEATURED EVENTS

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Stories

Stories of a Lifetime Workshop for Union County Seniors – UCPAC Legacy Arts Club

Monday, February 10, 2025 @ 12:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: community


 

Theresa

Theresa Caputo

Friday, February 14, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: community


 

MAC’S

MAC’S Art of Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser

Sunday, February 16, 2025 @ 12:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: community


 

Theresa

Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience

Thursday, February 20, 2025 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: community


 

Artrageous

Artrageous 2025 - Sensory-Friendly Theater

Sunday, February 23, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: community


 


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Presidents'

Presidents' Day Weekend in Cape May features dozens of tours, activities, events

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Presidents' Day Weekend, February 14-17, 2025, includes Valentine's Day this year, and there's a surprising array of things to enjoy in Cape May with tours, activities and events presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). The organization's main mission is promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. Cape May County residents: this holiday weekend is a good time to explore your hometown.



Ocean

Ocean County College Hosts "The Homage Exhibit" for Black History Month

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- In celebration of Black History Month, Ocean County College will host "The Homage Exhibit" on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 on the College's main campus in Toms River. This special event is sponsored by OCC's Organization for Black Unity and Office of Student Life in collaboration with the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission.



Gloria

Gloria Gaynor to be Honored at bergenPAC's Annual Women's Spring Luncheon

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) has announced that two-time Grammy Award-winning artist Gloria Gaynor will be honored and serve as a guest speaker at its annual Spring Luncheon on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11:30am.



NJ

NJ Creative Communities Conference to Assemble Leaders, Doers and Thinkers Throughout the State at Hudson County Community College

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) and Hudson County Community College (HCCC) present the New Jersey Creative Communities Conference 2025: The Art of Community Well-Being (NJCCC 2025) on Thursday, March 20. The conference takes place from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Hudson County Community College Culinary Center (161 Newkirk Street) in Jersey City.



Join

Join the Black History Month Celebration at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Rejoice in the contributions of Black culture to American life. You're invited to the Toms River NAACP's annual Black History Month Celebration at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The event runs from 12:00pm to 3:30pm.