For Immediate Release
MAYOR BOOKER LAUNCHES CITY-WIDE “THIS IS NEWARK” PUBLIC ART MURAL PROGRAM
City partners with Ironbound Community Corporation, City Without Walls and
NYC-based Groundswell Community Mural Project and local artist for seven murals
Newark, NJ – November 23, 2009 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, Members of the Municipal Council, Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor, Ironbound Community Corporation Executive Director Joseph Della Fave, and other dignitaries launched the City of Newark’s city-wide THIS IS NEWARK public art mural program with the dedication of the “Brief History of the Ironbound” mural on the side of the Ulanet Building, in the parking lot at 413 Market Street, today. The parking lot is located across the street from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey complex.
“It’s amazing how this mural exemplifies the historical and spiritual elements of our community while simultaneously enriching the cultural spirit of Newark. I would like to thank Council Member Amador for his long-standing support of our Newark’s urban renewal. This partnership with the Newark Municipal Council, artists, dedicated staff, and community partners, allows the arts to continue to stand as the lifeblood of our City. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, prouder Newark,” said Mayor Booker.
The Newark Mural Program, entitled “THIS IS NEWARK,” is a public art program focused on Newark’s gateways that uses various works of public art to mark points of arrival to the City and celebrate Newark’s culture and history. The new murals, which were created between July and October, strengthen Newark’s visual and spatial identity while capitalizing on the city’s proud history. Five of the projects were created by teams of youth from Rutgers T.E.E.M. GATEWAY “Green Rangers” program, who worked with professional artists.
THIS IS NEWARK is a Newark Division of Planning initiative to create public works of art and design that manifest the spirit and pride of Newark in its public spaces. For more information, visit the website at www.thisisnewark.wordpress.org.
“Murals and other public art forms are critical contributors to the economic health of a city. There is evidence that in cities that have implemented similar programs, these efforts have helped produce positive economic effects, and we hope to see such effects here in Newark – especially. This mural initiative will combine with other efforts to enhance our built environment, such as the Mayor’s parks program and our overall development program. Our City’s Planning Division has implemented the THIS IS NEWARK initiative precisely because of the strong linkage between public art and economic development, and I congratulate our team and their partners on their accomplishments,” said Deputy Mayor Pryor.
The first of the seven murals unveiled today, “A Brief History of the Ironbound,” was created by local artists Eder Muniz and Nicole Schuman.
“This is our first partnership with Newark and it was a wonderful experience. It is important for Newark residents to see themselves represented in the public landscape of their neighborhood. Art is a participatory activity and we are proud to bring it to life in Newark,” said Nicole Schulman, Lead Muralist of the Groundswell Community Mural Project.
“This mural is an attempt to combine the history and nature of the community with symbols of many countries. This represents the rich ethnic diversity of the City of Newark and the Ironbound neighborhood,” said artist Eder Muniz, a Newark resident who immigrated here from Brazil.
“I was delighted to offer my building’s wall for the installation of a magnificent mural that was created by the Groundswell Community Mural Project and City Without Walls. The mural entitled ‘A Brief History of the Ironbound’ highlights the diversity of cultures and past and present businesses that have made the Ironbound a community that works. Our building’s proximity to Penn Station made it an ideal location for a mural welcoming all to the Ironbound. I hope that it will instill pride in the Ironbound residents and workers, as well as encouraging other building owners to beautify their properties,” said Jon Ulanet, owner of the Ulanet Building.
The citywide mural program brings public art into each of Newark’s neighborhoods, cultivating civic and community pride, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the urban landscape, empowering residents and other stakeholders, and connecting Newark’s youth to community-based artists and pathways to work in the creative economy.
“This mural was painted on a family owned business, and I think that is a testament to Ironbound residents who immigrated to this country and built it from the ground up. We were also proud that those who participated in crafting this mural had the opportunity to stimulate their artistic senses, expand their imagination, and broaden their horizons. This work of art truly transforms the landscape of our City,” said Joseph Della Fave, Executive Director, Ironbound Community Corporation.
The large-scale murals were created by teams of artists from Groundswell and City Without Walls. The seven completed murals enhance the urban landscape with the energy and spirit that is Newark and its people, while utilizing public art to foster long-term partnerships between the City of Newark and community organizations, institutions, and residents.
“This community really understands that a mural is not just a public art piece, but it is about bringing the community together in the process. I think that the mural will show that residents are involved – sharing stories, working to better the area, and bringing everyone together. This mural is a testament to the strength of the citizens of Newark,” said Amy Sananman, of Groundswell Community Mural Project.
“We’re really proud of the way in which artists, teenagers, and community partners were able to come together for this process. Because of this collaboration, the mural reflects the spirit of the community. After a wonderful program launch this past summer, we look forward to continuing this program in the future,” said Dr. Ben Goldman, the Executive Director of City Without Walls.
For more information about any Newark municipal program or initiative, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center, at (973) 733-4311.
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Contact: Press Information Office - (973) 733-8004 or pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us
About the City of Newark, New Jersey
Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.
With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.
City Without Walls (cWOW) is an urban gallery of emerging art that advances the careers of artists while building the audience for contemporary art. Based in Newark since 1975, cWOW is New Jersey’s oldest non-profit alternative art space and a three-time winner of the NJ State Council on the Arts “Citation of Excellence”. cWOW’s award-winning exhibition and education programs use art and technology to help build communities. For more information visit www.cwow.org.
Groundswell Community Mural Project is a New York City based nonprofit organization founded in 1996 that brings together professional artists, grassroots organizations and communities in partnership to create high quality works of public art in under-represented neighborhoods. Groundswell’s work inspires youth, communities and artists to take active ownership of their future and equips them with the tools necessary for social change. For more information, visit www.groundswellmural.org
Rutgers University T.E.E.M. Gateway and the Youth Success Center of Newark are dedicated to helping the youth of Newark and Essex County improve their quality of life by becoming productive members of New Jersey’s workforce and society. This youth success center provides a safe environment and a comprehensive variety of youth services. In operation since 2008, the YE2S Center helps youth and young adults become caring, competent contributing citizens of the City of Newark.
For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us
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