(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.

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.