Welcome to Project for Empty Space's Submittable!
Project for Empty Space (PES) is a multifaceted arts organization that includes Exhibitions, Artists Residencies, Public Art initiatives, subsidized Artist Studios, and Artist Professional Development/Granting opportunities. Our programs lean into social discourse, including narratives that have been historically and systemically erased. We strive to course-correct historic instances of forced marginality, in-equity, and in-visibility. Today, in our efforts to support socially-oriented artists, we maintain a commitment to holding space for both looking back and looking to new potentials and futures. Learn more about us at projectforemptyspace.org
2026 Newark Artist Accelerator
The 2026 Newark Artist Accelerator provides grants to Newark-based, multidisciplinary visual artists, supporting ambitious, artist-led initiatives that engage communities, explore new ideas, and expand access to contemporary art. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program's generous support makes this year's fund possible.
Research & Development Grants
$2,500 | 8 available
These grants support the early stages of community-engaged projects, giving artists the resources to research, develop, and test ideas, build community partnerships, and explore new approaches to public engagement. Funding may support research, community consultation, collaborative planning, prototyping, and other preparatory activities that help artists develop a project toward implementation.
Artists who successfully complete the research and development phase and meet the program’s requirements will be eligible to secure an additional $5,000 project grant in 2027.
Application & Selection
Applications will be evaluated based on the proposal’s originality, potential impact, and feasibility. A jury of local and national arts professionals will review applications and select the projects to be funded.
The application portal is now open and will close on December 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Ineligible Projects
- Projects initiated or organized by existing incorporated entities (includes LLC’s B Corps, 501(C)(3) organizations, and 501(c)(4) organizations), universities or schools (private, public, charter), or religious institutions.
- Projects seeking support retroactively or seeking reimbursement for a past project.
- Proposals for funding to support a solo exhibition, travel costs, etc.
- Projects proposed by an individual artist to present their own work.
- Past grantees with two consecutive funded projects.
Virtual Community Information Session
Join Project for Empty Space on November 11th from 5 PM to 7 PM to learn more about this year’s Newark Artist Accelerator Fund. Hear from the team about previously funded projects and best submission practices. This is an excellent opportunity to get questions answered prior to submitting a proposal. To send questions ahead of time, please email info@newarkartistaccelerator.org.
About the Newark Artist Accelerator Fund
Beginning in 2021, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on artists, their families, and their communities, the NAA Fund was initially established to provide emergency relief to artists in New Jersey.
The NAA Fund continues to provide immediate-need, merit-based funding to artists’ projects and collaborations annually and is committed to sustaining this grant program through ongoing funding from local foundations and donors. The Newark Artist Accelerator Fund is powered by Project for Empty Space.
2026 Newark Artist Accelerator
The 2026 Newark Artist Accelerator provides grants to Newark-based, multidisciplinary visual artists, supporting ambitious, artist-led initiatives that engage communities, explore new ideas, and expand access to contemporary art. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program's generous support makes this year's fund possible.
Project-Based Grants
$5,000 | 8 available
These grants support the realization of artist-led projects that place audience engagement at the center of the creative process. Projects should consider how people encounter, experience, and participate in art, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and discovery beyond traditional exhibition formats.
Proposed projects may include collaborative ventures, pop-up exhibitions, public programs, events, and temporary interventions that invite audiences to engage with art in accessible, imaginative, and unexpected ways. We are particularly interested in initiatives that respond to Newark’s social and cultural landscape and explore new possibilities for how art can be experienced in public life.
Application & Selection
Applications will be evaluated based on the proposal’s originality, potential impact, and feasibility. A jury of local and national arts professionals will review applications and select the projects to be funded.
The application portal is now open and will close on December 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Ineligible Projects
- Projects initiated or organized by existing incorporated entities (includes LLC’s B Corps, 501(C)(3) organizations, and 501(c)(4) organizations), universities or schools (private, public, charter), or religious institutions.
- Projects seeking support retroactively or seeking reimbursement for a past project.
- Proposals for funding to support a solo exhibition, travel costs, etc.
- Projects proposed by an individual artist to present their own work.
- Past grantees with two consecutive funded projects.
Virtual Community Information Session
Join Project for Empty Space on November 11th from 5 PM to 7 PM to learn more about this year’s Newark Artist Accelerator Fund. Hear from the team about previously funded projects and best submission practices. This is an excellent opportunity to get questions answered prior to submitting a proposal. To send questions ahead of time, please email info@newarkartistaccelerator.org.
About the Newark Artist Accelerator Fund
Beginning in 2021, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on artists, their families, and their communities, the NAA Fund was initially established to provide emergency relief to artists in New Jersey.
The NAA Fund continues to provide immediate-need, merit-based funding to artists’ projects and collaborations annually and is committed to sustaining this grant program through ongoing funding from local foundations and donors. The Newark Artist Accelerator Fund is powered by Project for Empty Space.