The 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index ranked Newark as the eighth most arts-vibrant large community in the US. The list is a data-driven analysis of 13 unique measures that span per capita supply, demand, and government support for the arts, compiled by SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research.
“The City of Newark makes choices every day about what facets of our life need better funding and more support to uplift residents in ways ranging from emotional enjoyment, safety and health, to household financial security and citywide economic vibrancy,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Investing in the arts checks all those boxes, and goes beyond that, to unify us with common reference points as Newarkers. I’m proud we have been recognized as a large city that places great value on art as a social shorthand for who we are and what we want.”
Newark’s arts community contributes more than $178 million to the city’s economy. The arts have created approximately 5,000 local jobs and results in $15.5 million in state and local taxes. The community also boosts tourism, neighborhood revitalization, education and overall quality of life for Newark residents.
“Our city is defined by its artists,” said Fayemi Shakur, City of Newark Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs. “Newark has a long history of fostering creativity and activism, and the local cultural community keeps the city a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and recreate.”
Mayor Baraka began an ambitious agenda for the arts in 2020 as a result of the Newark Creates cultural plan. He appointed Fayemi Shakur as Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs and founded an arts grant program, the Creative Catalyst Fund, offering vital funding and support for artists and cultural groups. The fund has awarded over 500 grants totaling $3.1 million to artists and organizations since its launch.
Dr. Jennifer Benoit-Bryan, Director of SMU DataArts. “The Arts Vibrancy Index helps the arts community – leaders, businesses, governments, funders – better understand the dynamics of arts activities that occur in local areas. The Index has been indispensable in shining light on the arts in communities all across the country.”
SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, is a project of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. The Center’s mission is to provide evidence-based insights needed to collectively build strong, vibrant, and equitable arts communities. For information on how the Arts Vibrancy Index is calculated please visit here.
