Did you know that Downtown Newark has a designated Arts and Education District? It includes the Newark Museum of Art, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Symphony Hall, Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Prudential Center, Seton Hall Law School, Newark School of the Arts and Mulberry Commons.
Here’s what Mayor Ras J. Baraka says about how the district will improve business and quality of life.
Q: How is the Arts and Education District going to support small businesses?
Mayor Baraka: Our new initiative reflects a commitment to bring new life into vacant retail spaces and enhance Newark’s physical appearance to enrich the lives of residents, visitors, and workers. The entrepreneurs opening businesses in the heart of our Arts and Education District embody the resilience and spirit of our city. Their businesses—which range from new restaurants to spaces for artists and comedians—add even more energy to a district that has become a commercial and cultural hub.
Q: How does the district serve Newark residents?
Mayor Baraka: The key is to ensure that the district serves Newark residents first, both as a center of fun and economic opportunity.
Q: Why is highlighting the arts so important to Newark and its transformation?
Mayor Baraka: By enhancing the cultural value of the city’s creative and economic life through collaboration, education, community inclusion and innovation, residents and local businesses will benefit from a new vision for the area defined by arts, culture, equity and sustainability; attracting more investment and liveable communities.
