The 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. Two types of grants are available: Research & Development Grants, supporting early stages of community-engaged projects, and Project-Based Grants, which support the realization of artist-led projects that place audience engagement at the center of the creative process. This year’s fund is made possible by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program's generous support.
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 p.m.
Virtual Community Information Session
Join Project for Empty Space on [xx] 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.
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program aims to support vibrant, under-the-radar artistic activity by partnering with leading cultural institutions in communities across the country. The program allows the Foundation to reach the sizable population of informal, non-incorporated artist collectives and to support their alternative gathering spaces, publications, websites, events and other projects.
Check out past projects, featuring images of: The Newark Wetlands Project by Amanda J. Thackray, By Way of Revolution Workshop: Newark, NJ by Helina Metaferia, Don’t Touch My Hair by Ayana Morris, Nork! Photo Fest by Gabe Ribeiro & The Nork! Project, Blues Hope Flags by Luisa F. Pinzon Romero & Lisa Conrad, Back 2 the Future: An Intergenerational Arts Program by Drama With A Twist, Threads of Resilience: Animated Narratives by Eirini Linardaki, The Sewing Circle: Weaving a Community of Care / El Costurero: by Tejiendo Comunidad de Cuidado Lina Puerta, The Potential Project: Newark by Bentrice Jusu.