The Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs serves as the catalyst for participation, education, collaboration, and development to encourage and support excellence in the arts within the City of Newark. This division oversees the city's arts initiatives, supports community engagement in arts and cultural programming, provides organizational support to existing and evolving art institutions, oversees a world-class public art program, and encourages collaborative partnerships and investment in the city's artists and arts and cultural organizations. It supports the creation of a more sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and creative economy in Newark that enlivens our neighborhoods and ignites the imaginations of our children.
PARQ930 is a new 333 unit residential development located at 930 McCarter Highway in Newark, New Jersey. Developed by Boraie Development LLC, the project reflects a long-standing presence in Newark and an ongoing commitment to contributing positively to the city’s neighborhoods and public spaces. With more than 40 years of urban redevelopment experience, Boraie Development focuses on creating places that are thoughtfully integrated into their surroundings and designed to serve both present and future residents.
Boraie Development has been involved in several Newark projects, including ICONIQ777, 50 Rector Park and Cityplex12 and continues to explore ways that development can support civic life, cultural expression, and community engagement.
As part of the PARQ930 project, Boraie Development is partnering with the City of Newark Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs to commission a 185-foot mural along McCarter Highway. This highly visible site sits along one of Newark’s major gateways and offers an opportunity for a large-scale public artwork that can be experienced daily by residents, commuters, and visitors.
The purpose of this mural commission is to add to Newark’s public art landscape, support the artist community, and create opportunities for local audiences to encounter art in their everyday environment. The mural is intended to be accessible, welcoming, and reflective of both the new Riverfront development, as well as, Newark’s history, resilience, and creative energy.
Timeline & Important Dates:
- RFP Release: Wednesday, February 18
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 1
- Artist Notification: April
- Design Development: May
- Installation Window: June
Mural Application:
Painted mural directly to the wall
Project Brief:
Compensation:
$25,000 Artist Honorarium
Materials and production costs are budgeted separately.
Submission Requirements:
- Name and contact information
- Proof of eligibility (New Jersey–Based Artists)
- Website and Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of interest and preliminary proposal
- Conceptual rendering or visual approach: The conceptual rendering should visually represent the proposed public art installation, honing in on the design, scale, and materials to be used in the project. If selected, an advancement period will be allocated for both the applicant and organization to finalize the details, ensuring a smooth execution and integration of the artwork into the community.
- Demonstrated experience with large-scale murals or public art installations
Eligibility:
This public art commission is open to individual artists and artist collectives based in New Jersey. Individual artists must be at least 18 years old, and collectives must designate a lead artist or representative. Selected applicants are required to comply with all federal, state, and local laws, including permitting and contractual obligations. Employees of the commissioning agency and members of the selection panel, along with their immediate family, are ineligible to apply. To demonstrate eligibility, applicants must provide proof of residency or active artistic practice in New Jersey. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Proof of New Jersey residency (e.g., a valid driver’s license, current home or studio lease, or recent utility bill)
- A current letter of employment
- A letter of reference from an arts organization, gallery, or community arts program confirming the applicant’s active artistic practice in New Jersey
All applicants must demonstrate the capacity to execute a project of this scale within the designated timeline and budget. The commissioning entity reserves the right to verify eligibility at any stage of the selection process.