FAQs
What is the Newark Artist Collaboration?
The Newark Artist Collaboration seeks to highlight how the Newark arts community contributes to the resilience and economic prosperity of a great American city. Amplifying local arts and supporting artistic innovation, the program will commence with twelve commissions for Audible’s newly renovated headquarters at One Washington Park and the surrounding downtown neighborhood.
What is Audible’s role in the Newark Artist Collaboration?
Audible will provide ongoing opportunities to Newark-based artists and encourage local investment in Newark’s creative community through the NAC. Other Audible impact initiatives include Newark Working Kitchens, which launched in April 2020 and has helped keep open 30 local restaurants while delivering more than one million meals to at-risk Newarkers. Audible created the Global Center for Urban Development in September 2020 to expand upon its community and economic initiatives while launching new and measurable models focused on advancing equality, racial justice and economic empowerment.
Who is eligible to apply?
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, or a (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. Employees of Audible, Amazon, or any companies owned or operated by Audible or Amazon are not eligible to participate in the Newark Artist Collaboration Project.
I have questions about my eligibility. Who should I contact?
I have some questions about the references. Once the application is submitted, how long will references have to complete their letters of recommendation?
The reference letter should be submitted by the application deadline.
Will my application be given stronger consideration if I submit two references rather than one?
No. But, if you are submitting a proposal that is ambitious in scope, a second reference could be helpful.
Additionally, in what area should the letters be focused - studio practice, community engagement, more generalized?
Generalized.
What does the Request for Proposals ask for?
Artist Biography and Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Interest
Project Proposal and Statement of Impact
Concept Renderings
Past Work Examples
Letter(s) of Recommendation (Minimum of One)
*Artists are not required to submit budgets, with the exception of the functional sculpture opportunities.
Can an artist/collective apply to multiple RFPs?
Yes.
Can an artist apply as an individual and a collective?
Yes.
Can an artist/collective be chosen for more than one project?
No.
How will artists be chosen?
A request for proposals was issued on Monday, June 21st and closes on Monday, August 9th. A jury of local arts professionals and stakeholders will participate in the artist selection process. Eligible artists will be assessed based on proposal strength, potential ability to engage the community, projected impact, and past work experience.
How is the collaboration defined?
This program was conceived in collaboration with artists, residents, and community organizations. The collective goal is to connect the creative community and private sector to encourage investment in Newark.
In the inaugural phase of the program, awarded art activations will be produced in a collaborative framework, giving artists access to Audible’s expertise on new media and technology.
Where will works be displayed?
Works will be displayed at Audible’s newly renovated headquarters as well as in installations throughout the surrounding downtown Newark neighborhood.
How long will the works be displayed?
The scope of work includes rotating art spaces and permanent artworks. Each opportunity’s duration is outlined in the RFP.
Who have you hired to lead artist outreach efforts?
Rebecca Jampol, Co-Director of the Project for Empty Space, Newark Artist Collaboration Coordinator, has led several significant public art programs including Portals, Newark (2016), the longest mural on the east coast (over 1.3 miles) entitled Gateways to Newark (2016), Four Corners Public Arts (2019 - present), and Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s Community Ground Murals (2020) which kicked off the City’s #MuralsforJustice program. She also organized and chaired the design team for Newark Hope Village – a low-barrier shelter community built from repurposed shipping containers for residents without addresses.
What themes will you be looking for, and how were these developed?
Artists are asked to embrace concepts of resilience, invention, innovation, and futurity.
Who are the voices of leadership- change-makers to celebrate, amplify, and archive?
What narratives have yet to be shared or have been overlooked?
How do we reinvent, for inclusion and empowerment of all of our communities
How can we use media to create a new or deeper understanding and experience?
What do you want to see in our futures?
Audible not only strives to support artists, but to support a unique type of collaboration and advancement of artistic practice. We encourage work that is interdisciplinary, immersive, and interactive.
Where might I find information about the site-specific history of external projects?
We've developed a growing list of local resources, databases, and archives here on Research Resources.
Should artwork be original or can it be from an existing series?
All artwork concepts proposed should be original.
Can I include technology such as audio or AR/VR?
It is important that artwork is able to live as it is presented. However, we do encourage engagement that is layered and interactive. Additional technology is welcomed to achieve various experiences.