NEWARK, NJ — “Cultural representation is Newark’s superpower.” This sentiment, spoken by Lauren LeBeaux Craig, the executive director at Newark Arts, will be on the minds of thousands of people this week when they check out the 2024 Newark Arts Festival.
The 23rd annual festival kicked off Wednesday and will run until Sunday, Oct. 13. It is taking place at several locations in the city (see below). Learn more about the festival here.
This year’s festival – which is embracing a theme of “Radical Reimagining” – will showcase the works of more than 500 Newark visual and performing artists, putting not only their art on display, but also their diverse experiences and views.
According to organizers, some “firsts” at this year’s festival include:
PINK BALL – The Pink Ball will use projection art to create an immersive experience at the Newark Museum of Art, home to Newark Arts Festival’s main exhibition of works by 72 Greater Newark Artists.
ARTSPACE – Newark Arts will launch ArtSpace – a new gallery and now northern entryway to the Newark Arts and Education District. Activated and managed by Newark Arts, this is space is made possible by Russo Development, which has provided this community space at Vermella Broad.
FOLLOWING HARRY – A preview showing of the film “Following Harry,” an intimate view of legendary artist and civil rights leader Harry Belafonte during the last 12 years of his life, reflecting on his personal journey in disrupting injustice and inspiring the next generations of activists and entertainers to do the same.
Other events and highlights include:
BOOK LAUNCH – Newark Arts Festival 2024: HYCIDE: The Black & White Book Saturday, October 12, at the Newark Museum of Art, marks the highly anticipated HYCIDE book launch and exhibition, marking the magazine’s powerful return with a special edition book spanning over 400 pages exploring race, culture, and societal constructs. Curated by Dr. Yaba Blay and featuring the work of Akintola Hanif, editor-at-large Jamel Shabazz, and more than 100 contributors, this event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The launching is part of the Newark Arts Festival’s Reimagining Legacy day. It will delve into topics such as Black power and the impact of Black music, businesses, and art. The evening will culminate in an after party with special guest DJs, celebrating the collaboration between Newark Arts and HYCIDE.
DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR – Step into “Don’t Touch My Hair,” a powerful, culturally conscious immersive experience by visionary artist and filmmaker Ayana Morris at the Newark Arts Festival 2024. This thought-provoking mobile installation in Military Park transports visitors into the intimate connection Black women have with their hair, challenging societal norms with a stark visual journey through a tunnel lined with 3D-printed hands and historical reflections. Designed to spark critical conversations about Black beauty, identity, and the micro-aggressions women face, this exhibit from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. is a bold, unmissable statement on the policing of Black hair and the ongoing fight for equality and respect.
NAF KIDS @ Pennington Court (208-222 South Street, Newark) – Celebrate Newark Arts Festival with the whole family at NAF Kids, presented by Arts Ed Newark and partners on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families can enjoy free art-making activities, vibrant youth performances, and exciting giveaways in a fun, creative atmosphere. This special day of artistic expression and community celebrates the festival’s Reimagining Legacy theme. Activities and performances are open to all ages.
Art activations to include:
- YMCA on Wheels fun truck
- Community-led Graffiti and Hip-Hop Projects
- Drumming demo and circle
- Jewelry-making
- Bon Apetit STEAM & snack activity
- performances featuring youth of Centers of Hope, Teens Step Up, Keys 2 Success, NJ Symphony, and more
WALKABLE CORRIDOR – The Newark Grounds Walkable Cultural Corridor is a new strategic walkable cultural corridor featuring more than 50 consecutive public artworks and dedicated arts and culture spaces in downtown Newark. This Project for Empty Space initiative derives from a collaboration with the City of Newark Division of Art and Cultural Affairs, the City of Newark Arts and Education District, the City Parks Foundation, Newark Arts, the Four Corners Public Arts Partnership, and the Rutgers University-Newark Design Consortium. The initiative will establish an arts path connecting Newark Pennsylvania Station to Teachers Village and will officially kick off during the Newark Arts Festival with a corridor crawl on Friday, October 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.