Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

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About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This mural will be painted on wood above a bookshelf inside the Cooperman Center’s children’s arts reading room. The reading room is located on street level and visible from Center Street. The room will be filled with books about art and artists that invite the youngest readers – ages 0 - 3rd grade - and their families, educators and caregivers together to nurture a love of reading. This will be a public space for both drop-in visitors and regularly scheduled readings, school visits, early childhood music classes and more. The artwork will be created on a wood veneer surface, with sections intentionally left unpainted to reveal the natural wood grain.

Application: Painted Mural

Display Dimensions: 41’3” w x 13’1” h 

Exhibition Duration: 10 - 15 years with option to extend

Project Timeline: Summer - Fall 2026

Compensation: $15,000

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This vestibule is located on the first floor of the Cooperman Center towards the rear. It features four doors: two providing access to multi-purpose arts classrooms, which will be frequently used, and two leading to breakout/practice rooms for smaller group lessons and solo practice. The classroom doors are larger to accommodate ease of access and equipment movement, measuring 6’-0” wide by 8’-8” high, while the breakout room doors measure 3’-4” wide by 8’-8” high.

Application: Digitally Printed Vinyl

Display Dimensions: 30'3" w x 10' h

Exhibition Duration: 3 - 5 years with option to extend

Project Timeline: Summer - Fall 2026

Compensation: $7,500

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This is the sole elevator in the Cooperman Center which will be used to access floors one and two, which will be primarily used by NJPAC Arts Education, Community Engagement and Arts & Well-Being departments for classes, workshops and gatherings – and floor three – which is a suite of professional rehearsal studios to be used by artists and companies creating and rehearsing new performance work.

Application: Digitally Printed Vinyl

Artwork Dimensions: 

• Left Façade: 10’5” w x 10’ h
• Right Façade: 10’5” w x 10’ h

Exhibition Duration: 3 - 5 years with option to extend

Project Timeline: Summer - Fall 2026

Compensation: $7,500

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This vestibule is located on the second floor of the Cooperman Center towards the rear. It features four doors: two providing access to multi-purpose arts classrooms, which will be frequently used, one leading to a storage closet, and one leading to a conference room for NJPAC Social Impact staff. The classroom doors are larger to accommodate ease of access and equipment movement, measuring 6’-0” wide by 8’-8” high, while the storage and conference room doors measure 3’-4” wide by 8’-8” high.

Application: Digitally Printed Vinyl

Display Dimensions: 47’7.75” w x 9’6" h 

Exhibition Duration: 3 - 5 years with option to extend

Project Timeline: Summer - Fall 2026

Budget: $10,000

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This vestibule is located on the second floor of the Cooperman Center towards the rear. It features two doors providing access to multi-purpose arts classrooms, which will be frequently used. The doors measure 6'4” wide and 8’6.5” long.

Application: Digitally Printed Vinyl

Display Dimensions: 26’3.5” w x 10’ h

Exhibition Duration: 3 - 5 years with option to extend

Project Timeline: Summer - Fall 2026

Budget: $7,500

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: The corridor murals on the second floor span roughly half the level, overlooking the heart of the Cooperman Center’s three-floor open lobby. The area includes one expansive wall, approximately 43’ 11.5” long, visible from multiple vantage points. Opposite of this, an interior-facing wall is composed of surfaces at varying scales. Adjacent to the multi-purpose arts classrooms, this area will reflect and contribute to the energy of the entire building.

Application: Digitally Printed Vinyl

Display Dimensions: 

• Façade A: 43’11.5” w x 7’2" h
• Façade B: 32'6.625" w x 7'2" h
• Vestibule: 32'4" w x 6'2" h
• Façade C: 58'5.5" w x 32'6.625"

Exhibition Duration: 7 - 10 years with option to extend

Project Timeline: Summer - Fall 2026

Compensation: $25,000

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This unique opportunity is a large-scale, immersive artwork located on the underpass of the ArtSide development’s mid-rise residential and retail building. The artwork will be located above a one-way street that leads from the newly extended Mulberry Street (between Center and Rector Streets) to a parking lot for NJPAC audiences and ArtSide residents and visitors. The artwork will be installed on the ceiling and will span over 50 ft. It will be visible from various areas of the campus, as well as from McCarter Highway, and will be experienced by ArtSide residents, visitors to retail or on-site organizations, and attendees of events or other happenings on NJPAC’s campus.

Application: Variable; may include painted, printed, or mounted murals; three-dimensional façade installations or sculptures; light-based works; and other creative approaches.

Display Dimensions

•  Primary Façade: 31’3” w × 51’ ¾” h
•  Left Façade: 8’4” w × 51’3” h 
•  Right Façade: 8’4” w × 51’3” h

Exhibition Duration: permanent

Project Timeline: 2027

Budget: $75,000

Artists are required to submit a comprehensive, holistic project budget that accounts for all expenses associated with the proposed work, including but not limited to artist fees, project personnel, materials, installation, AV/tech equipment and support, transportation, site preparation, community engagement, and contingency planning.

Applicants must download the provided Excel budget template, complete all relevant sections, and re-upload the finished file in the designated uploads area of the application.

A budget narrative section is also provided for applicants to further explain the feasibility, reasoning, and key assumptions behind their cost estimates.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This opportunity will be located on select windows on the east facade of the ArtSide mid-rise retail and residential building, activating and covering mechanical spaces. It includes 11 large-scale windows reaching 20 feet in height, as well as two smaller areas. This installation will be immediately viewable from a parking lot serving NJPAC audiences and ArtSide residents and visitors. It will also be viewable from Rt. 21 (McCarter Highway). 

Application: Digitally Printed Vinyl

Display Dimensions

• SF2: 10’1/8” w × 9’ h
• SF3: 20’6.125” w × 9’ h
• SF4: 19’10” w × 9’ h
• SF11: 9’ w × 22’ 4” h
• SF36: 20’6” w × 9’ h
• SF37: 20’10.5” w × 9’ h
• SF38: 20’10.5” w × 9’ h
• SF39: 9’ w × 22’4” h

Exhibition Duration: 3 - 5 years

Project Timeline: 2027

Compensation: $15,000  

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

---

About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: The east facade wall of NJPAC’s main building represents one of our largest outdoor opportunities, facing the new ArtSide Residential Tower, the Newark Light Rail, and Rt. 21 (McCarter Highway). This site and budget can accommodate a mounted mural of up to 2,000 square feet. Artists are encouraged to think expansively about activating both facades and making full use of the available square footage. We encourage artworks in this location in particular that directly reference the history, mission and ethos of NJPAC. 

Application: Painted or printed mounted mural.

Display Dimensions: 

• Façade a: 65’ w x 51’ h
• Façade b: 130’ w x 51’ h

Exhibition Duration: Permanent

Project Timeline: 2027

Compensation: $70,000

Artists are required to submit a comprehensive, holistic project budget that accounts for all expenses associated with the proposed work, including but not limited to artist fees, project personnel, materials, installation, AV/tech equipment and support, transportation, site preparation, community engagement, and contingency planning.

Applicants must download the provided Excel budget template, complete all relevant sections, and re-upload the finished file in the designated uploads area of the application.

A budget narrative section is also provided for applicants to further explain the feasibility, reasoning, and key assumptions behind their cost estimates.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

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About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: This building will serve as an Annex to the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center and primarily house offices for NJPAC’s Social Impact staff (Arts Education, Community Engagement and Arts & Well-Being). Located on Mulberry Street, directly adjacent to the Cooperman Center, the building demarcates the entrance to NJPAC’s campus. Applicants are encouraged to think expansively about medium and approach, creating an artwork that helps establish and define 31 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ.

Application: Variable; may include painted, printed, or mounted murals; three-dimensional façade installations or sculptures; light-based works; and other creative approaches.

Display Dimensions: 57’ w x 70’ h  

Exhibition Duration: 7 - 10 years with option to extend  

Project Timeline: 2026  

Budget: $50,000

Artists are required to submit a comprehensive, holistic project budget that accounts for all expenses associated with the proposed work, including but not limited to artist fees, project personnel, materials, installation, AV/tech equipment and support, transportation, site preparation, community engagement, and contingency planning.

Applicants must download the provided Excel budget template, complete all relevant sections, and re-upload the finished file in the designated uploads area of the application.

A budget narrative section is also provided for applicants to further explain the feasibility, reasoning, and key assumptions behind their cost estimates.

Project Brief: [Click Here]

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.

Public Art at NJPAC: Stories in Sound, Movement and Community

NJPAC – an anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and state of New Jersey – is building a brand new downtown neighborhood on the parking lots surrounding our theaters. When it’s completed, our campus will include new mixed-income residential buildings, retail spaces, parks, education, rehearsal and community space. 

To activate this redeveloped campus and contribute to Newark’s thriving public art scene, NJPAC is commissioning thirteen new public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. We look forward to inviting artists, particularly those with community-engaged practices, to create these pieces and help envision and energize this new neighborhood. We hope these works of art will capture both the spirit and mission of NJPAC and the energy of our home city, Newark.

This new public art program weaves together stories in sound, movement, and community – vital elements of all of NJPAC’s work both on stage and off – using installations and interactive experiences to illuminate the cultural life of our community. Each work traces a story of evolution—stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. In Newark, these traditions continue to flourish through grassroots arts programs, youth initiatives, and public gatherings, sustaining a vibrant dialogue between generations. Through this layering of history, rhythm, and movement, Stories in Sound, Movement, and Community illustrates an institution, a city and a community in constant evolution.

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About the Request for Proposals: Artists based within NJPAC’s core audience zones—New Jersey and New York—are invited to apply to this series of new public art opportunities across the campus. Exterior sites include the NJPAC East Facade, the ArtSide Underpass, ArtSide Retail Windows, the Military Park Parking Garage with three levels of escalator murals, and the Mulberry Street–facing facade at 31 Mulberry Street. Additionally, six interior locations within the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center will provide opportunities for artists to activate and enliven public gathering spaces.

This program was developed in partnership with Project for Empty Space and WeShouldDoItAll, a creative agency contributing to the design of the Cooperman Center. An artist information session will be held on December 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM on Zoom, and applications are due by January 19th, 2025. Selected works are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2026 and winter of 2027.

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Scope of Work: There are three opportunities for murals within Military Park Parking Garage on the escalator landings for levels 1,  2 and 3. The garage serves both downtown Newark workers and visitors attending performances and events at NJPAC. The garage spans three floors, with central escalators, stairs and an elevator connecting the levels. These murals above the escalators will enhance the space and visitor experience while providing a platform for storytelling. 
Each mural includes a primary façade and side façades.

Application: Painted or printed mounted murals on polytab 

Dimensions:  

Level 1

• Primary façade: 6′1.5″ w × 9′8.5″ h
• Left façade: 14′1″ w × 9′8″ h
• Right façade: 22′1.5″ w × 3′0.5″ h

Level 2

• Primary façade: 6'5" w x 9" 8.5" h
• Left façade: 13'4" w × 8'1" h 
• Right façade: 22' 2" w x 3' 5" h

Level 3

• Primary façade: 5'8.5" w × 9'2" h 
• Left façade: 14'7" w × 9'2" h 
• Right façade: 42′9″ w x 9'2" h 

Exhibition Duration: 5 - 7 years with option to extend

Project Timeline: 2026

Compensation: $7,500 per landing.

This amount reflects the artist's honorarium. All costs related to materials, production, and installation are allocated separately.

Project Brief: level 1, level 2, level 3

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the brief for its guiding themes. NJPAC developed several core themes through community meetings, roundtables, and surveys, capturing both widely shared sentiments and unique perspectives. Applicants may respond directly to these themes or introduce new stories drawn from their own experiences, enriching and expanding the narratives that uplift and empower our community’s public spaces.