Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/28/2025
(NEWARK, NJ) -- On May 28, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced the allocation of $750,000 in funding to support a fourth round of grants through the Creative Catalyst Fund, providing artists and cultural groups with flexible grant support for arts and cultural activities in the City's Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026). The City's Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs will administer the fund in partnership with Invest Newark. The deadline to apply for grants is 11:59pm on Monday, June 23.
Announced in January 2020 as Newark’s first-ever municipal arts grant program, the Creative Catalyst Fund has offered much-needed support for artists during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. With the fund now in its fifth year, the City is demonstrating continued commitment to support its creative sector, which has vital contributions to civic economy and quality of life. For an overview of the City’s recent arts and cultural investments, view the Newark Arts & Culture 2022-2024 report.
“With the recent cuts to federal arts funding through the National Endowment for the Arts, local government support for culture is more critical than ever,” said Mayor Baraka. “Newark’s commitment to nurturing our creative ecosystem is unwavering, for we understand that the arts are not just expressions of beauty, but catalysts for economic growth and social transformation.”
Since its launch, the Creative Catalyst Fund has distributed over 500 grants totaling $3.1 million to artists and organizations for programs that have served hundreds of thousands of Newark residents and visitors and paid thousands of additional artists for their work supporting the projects. The fund provides flexible funding to cover a range of costs, enabling grantees to deliver meaningful creative experiences for Newarkers in every ward, offering enriching arts activities in community centers, libraries, schools, places of worship, and public spaces.
The financial support also helps artists and organizations serve some of the city’s most vulnerable communities. Two-thirds of grantee organizations report that at least a quarter of their audience lives below the poverty line, bringing free and affordable arts programming to those who might not otherwise have access. Additionally, nearly 60 percent of grantee organizations serve a similarly high percentage of at-risk youth, providing creative outlets, mentorship, and opportunities that inspire and empower Newark’s next generation.
“Arts and culture reduce isolation, improve mental well-being, foster connection, and empower individuals to envision brighter futures.” said fayemi shakur, Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs for the City of Newark. “The arts are not just programs; they are a force for change.”
To apply for a grant, click here. The deadline to apply for the 2025 Creative Catalyst Fund grant is Monday, June 23, at 11:59pm. A selection committee composed of community representatives, city staff, and arts experts will evaluate the submissions. A public information session about how to apply will be offered virtually.
Prospective applicants will choose between two grant streams, based on eligibility:
* General Operating Support for Newark-based non-profit arts and cultural organizations with annual operating budgets up to $3 million. The grant range is $2,500 to $25,000. Grants over $5,000 must be matched by funds raised from other sources.
* Artist Fellowships for Newark-based individual artists or artist collectives working in any artistic discipline are eligible. The grant range is $1,000 to $5,000. There is no matching requirement.
The arts 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. In 2024, Newark earned national recognition as the eighth most “arts vibrant” city in the country—a testament to the dedication of the city’s cultural workers and creators.
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