about the initiative

In 2026, NJPAC commissioned 13 public artworks to be installed in locations across our campus, both indoors and out. This new public art program, created in partnership with Project for Empty Space, weaves together stories of sound, movement and community — vital elements of NJPAC’s work — using installations to illuminate the cultural life and vibrancy of our city’s artistic spirit. Each work traces an evolution — stories of past, present and tomorrow carried forward through the lens of music, spoken word, dance and performance.

This remarkable group of artists, all with community-engaged practices, are creating pieces that will energize the new neighborhood NJPAC is building. Installation of the artworks is scheduled through 2027, coinciding with the openings of ArtSide (developed in partnership with LMXD) and the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center.

view the artwork

kimmarii – luminous shapes of the brick city

Military Park Garage – Level 1

Luminous Shapes of the Brick City pays homage to Newark’s rich heritage using neon signage and iconic symbols. Major architectural landmarks such as the Cathedral Basilica, Krueger-Scott Mansion, NJPAC and historic theater marquees are featured throughout the composition. The design also celebrates Newark’s legendary jazz roots, its industrial brewing history and the thriving food scene of the Ironbound and beyond. In the background, Newark’s resilience as the “Brick City” is built directly into the red brick pattern. Bright geometric lines flow like the Passaic River, while glowing cherry blossoms from Branch Brook Park double as musical notes across the canvas. Together, these elements weave a visual story of the city’s collective culture..

Antoinette Ellis-Williams – Jersey Club, Feel the Beat

Military Park Garage – Level 2

Jersey Club, Feel the Beat pays homage to Jersey Club, the electrifying music genre born in Newark and now celebrated around the world. Created through digitally collaged mixed-media abstraction, the work captures the genre’s pulse, movement and energy. Rhythmic white lines against a black ground evoke its steady heartbeat, while swirling reverse hooks, bursts of light and sonic vibrations ripple across the composition, translating the music’s unmistakable bounce into a dynamic visual experience.

tom nussbaum – improvisions

Military Park Garage – Level 3

Improvisations is inspired by a Keith Jarrett performance the artist saw at NJPAC. This work reflects the creative connection between visual art and music. As a visual artist who loves all kinds of music, especially jazz and classical, the artist is drawn to how a melody can become a springboard for expression. Just as a musician establishes a theme and improvises around it, the artist begins with a vibrant abstract visual motif, expanding it intuitively into a free-form, personal composition.

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Nuestros socios

Selections were guided by distinguished jury members (titles as of March 2026):

Alliyah Allen — Independent Curator
Alyson Maier Lokuta — AVP, Arts & Well-Being, NJPAC
Ashley Mays — Chief Marketing Officer, Newark Alliance; President, Newark Happening
Chantal Fischzang — Interdisciplinary Designer; Associate Professor of Communication Design, Rutgers University–Newark; Co-Director, Design Consortium
Chelsea Keys — Senior Director, Social Impact, NJPAC
Elena C. Muñoz-Rodriguez — Assistant Curator, Latinx & Latin American Art, The Newark Museum of Art
Eyesha Marable — Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement, NJPAC
Fayemi Shakur — Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, City of Newark
Jennifer Tsukayama — Vice President of Arts Education, NJPAC
John Schreiber — President and CEO, NJPAC
Kim Bernardin — Director, LMXD
Kitab Rollins — AVP, Performance and Broadcast Rentals, NJPAC
Lauren Craig — Executive Director, Newark Arts
Patricia Ryan — Senior Creative Director, NJPAC
Rebecca Pauline Jampol — Co-Director, Project for Empty Space
Dr. Sherri-Ann Butterfield — Senior Vice President, Social Impact, NJPAC
Stefon Harris — Co-Director, Express Newark; Founder & Director, Harmony Lab
Tamara Remedios — Director of Neighborhood Impact, Audible
Tim Lizura — Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Capital Projects, NJPAC
Victoria Walker — Director, Arts and Education District
Weiss/Manfredi — Multidisciplinary New York City–based design practice, Cooperman Center architect