Newark Grounds is a walkable cultural corridor in Downtown Newark, New Jersey, featuring over 75 consecutive public artworks and dedicated arts and culture spaces. Led by Project for Empty Space, this initiative is 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, the Newark Alliance, the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau, Newark Arts, the Four Corners Public Arts Partnership, and the Rutgers University-Newark Design Consortium. The project connects Newark Penn Station to Teachers Village through a dynamic arts path.

The initiative bridges public art projects from Four Corners Public Arts, Project for Empty Space, and Gateways to Newark: Portraits, along with selected works from New Jersey Transit’s public art program at Newark Penn Station. It is strategically situated within the Arts and Education District, established by Mayor Ras J. Baraka in Fall 2022.

Over the next two years, the project will expand public arts programming by enhancing existing spaces with murals, installations, sculptures, performances, streetscape improvements, wayfinding signage, lighting, and cultural activities.

The first phase of opportunities is now open, with proposal submissions due by May 16, 2025. A virtual information community meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22, from 5:00–6:30 PM. Register for the community meeting HERE.