Newark Artist Accelerator (NAA)

Overview

Andy Warhol

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.

About Project for Empty Space:

Project for Empty Space (PES) is a multifaceted arts organization that includes Exhibitions, Artists Residencies, Public Art initiatives, subsidized Artist Studios, and Artist Professional Development/Granting opportunities. Our programs lean into social discourse, including narratives that have been historically and systemically erased. We strive to course-correct historic instances of forced marginality, inequity, and invisibility. Today, in our efforts to support socially-oriented artists, we maintain a commitment to holding space for both looking back and looking to new potentials and futures.

Newark Artist Accelerator

The Newark Artist Accelerator (NAA) is a project grant for Newark-based, multidisciplinary visual artists. Grants are awarded in the amounts of $2,500, $5,000, and $7,500. Projects are artist-led and include collaborative ventures, pop-up exhibitions, events, and interventions of an ephemeral nature that are radically accessible to the public.

Beginning in 2021, in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on artists, their families, and their communities, the Newark Artist Accelerator 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.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* What is an acceptable project to propose for the project-based grant?
* Projects may include artist-led collaborative ventures, pop-up exhibitions, events, and interventions of an ephemeral nature that are radically accessible to public audiences. 
* Newark-based artists and artist collectives are welcome to apply.
* To be eligible to submit a proposal, applicants must be 18 or over and currently living or working in Newark, NJ, or engaged in a current artistic practice in Newark, NJ.
* Applicants must show evidence of:
* (a) currently living or working in Newark, which may be accomplished by submitting:
* (i) an active home or studio lease
* (ii) a current utility bill
* (iii) a current letter of employment
* or (b) engagement in a current artistic practice in Newark, which may be accomplished by submitting a letter of reference from a Newark arts organization or gallery confirming the applicant’s artistic practice in Newark.
* If this is a public art project, please provide evidence of stakeholder support.
* These letters should demonstrate that, if the grant is approved, you have the necessary access to complete the proposed project.
* Additionally, please describe the project location and explain how it aligns with the community's needs and values.

Ineligibility

* Projects may not include:
* Projects initiated or organized by existing incorporated entities (includes LLC’s B Corps, 501(C)(3) organizations, and 501(c)(4) organizations), universities or schools (private, public, charter), or religious institutions.
* Projects seeking support retroactively or seeking reimbursement for a past project.
* Proposals for funding to support a solo exhibition, travel costs, etc.
* Projects proposed by an individual artist to present their own work.
* Employees of Project for Empty Space, Inc. are not eligible to apply. 
* If you have received a NAA grant for two consecutive years, you are not eligible to apply for a third consecutive year.
* You may apply after one year off.