In 2020, Project for Empty Space, as part of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program developed the Newark Artist Accelerator. This new fund supports Newark artists presently as we navigate through COVID-19. In subsequent years the NAA will focus on supporting artist projects, and furthering our city’s creative power.

In the Accelerators’ inaugural year, we distributed nearly $70,000 of unrestricted funds to Newark artists as COVID relief. Applications for the next cycle will open in the late Spring of 2021.

Project for Empty Space is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe and equitable spaces for audiences and artists alike. PES is committed to cultivating discourse around important social issues through the catalytic lens of contemporary art. Our mission is to promote artists whose work is oriented around social impact; and to initiate conversations that engage issues of marginality, intersectionality, and cultural tolerance. Through our work, we strive to create exhibitions and programming in our spaces that dispel the notion that art is meant for one type of audience. Our aim is to encourage the idea that everyone should have equal opportunity to access art.

“This funding has helped maintain my studio. Having to worry about the financial burden of keeping a studio sometimes takes away the drive/mind to create. This fund has been a huge relief and enabled me to finish some projects I’ve been working on. Very grateful…”
- Kwesi Kwarteng

“As a Newark-based artist, I am very grateful to be a recipient of the Newark Artist Accelerator Fund. This generous grant has already assisted me with material costs for an upcoming exhibition scheduled in 2021. Because of this help and support, I am able to complete and finalize the installation. I feel thankful that the Newark Artist Accelerator grant was available to the Newark arts community, and provided relief to artists like myself, who's studio practice has been impacted by the pandemic. Thank you for supporting me." 
- Shoshanna Weinberger

“This grant has helped me so much and has allowed me to continue creating my art in a space that promotes artistic growth influenced by the amazing artists around me! Looking forward to continuing my creative process and making bigger and better work for 2021!”
- Justin Francesco