Today’s blog post features an interview with Newark Arts Marketing Manager, Lauren Craig.
We talked about how Newark Arts is opening the doors for artists of all types, gallery owners, curators, Newark residents, visitors to Newark, people that work in the city and beyond.
This year marks the 16th year of Newark Arts Open Doors Citywide Festival that Craig promised will be the “best year yet. You will be amazed at the star power at this year’s Open Doors.”
In case you did not know what Open Doors is: Craig explained, it’s a citywide arts festival in Newark, “where all the doors of the studios, galleries and lots of popups are open. This year it’s October 12-15th. We invite the community, not just the Newark community, but statewide and the surrounding areas to come and visit see all that Newark Arts has to offer.”
A little different this year while the participating venues will be open all throughout the festival each day there will be cluster for a particular area. Follow Newark Arts for up to date info and details.
October 12th
University Heights District: Fownders
October 13th Market Street District: Gallery Aferro, Art and Artifacts of Newark, Index Art Center
October 14th
Halsey Street District that includes the Newark Print Shop, City Without Walls including the popular Murals and Martinis Tour that concludes with a sneak peak into to soon to be opened The Grammy Museum and more.
October 15th
Gateway District , Project for Empty Space; Ironbound and Military Park District
Other ways this not for profit agency is opening the doors to arts in Newark is by providing and administering of ArtStart grants to artists of all types that work with the community and youth. Craig explained, “It is a selection process that gives artists anywhere from $3,000-5,000 to fund their program.” She added, “That (these grants) have funded a lot to well-known art organizations in Newark, (such as helping getting) the Newark Print Shop started. This year there 16 recipients.
Another way is through partnerships with companies and organizations such as Newark Downtown District and Greater Newark Visitors Bureau. Craig said, “We’re the promotional power behind different events that we partner with.” They post and share what’s happening mostly through social media as it’s the most effective way to reach people. I would definitely encourage everyone to like and follow as well as check out the Open Doors Citywide Arts Festival..
newarkcentriccity 