Four Corners Public Arts was initiated in 2019 through a public/private partnership convened to support public arts initiatives in Newark’s Four Corners Historic District. The partnership includes The City of Newark, Invest Newark, Newark Arts, Newark Downtown District, Paramount Assets, and RBH Group. The partnership evolved out of a common interest to give care to under-acknowledged areas of the City through the arts, with the goal of cultivating creative communal space for everyone. At a time when Newark was undergoing a marked transformation, the partnership believed it was imperative to create opportunities that strengthen the local creative community.
The program took place in the Central Ward of downtown Newark, focusing on two neglected alleyways proximate to residential buildings, local small businesses, and educational spaces– Treat Place and Beaver Street. Part of the program’s impetus was an ongoing and urgent request from local businesses to enhance the economic viability of a neighborhood that had long seen disinvestment. Newark Arts served as the fiduciary for the program. Rebecca Pauline Jampol, Co-Director of Project for Empty Space, led the cohort from 2019 through the program’s completion in 2023.
NEWARK ARTS
Newark Arts’ mission is to power the arts to transform lives. Established in 1981 as the Newark Arts Council, the organization’s vision is to become a nationally recognized catalyst for the collaborative power of the arts in Newark and urban America. Newark Arts is the producer of Newark Creates, a community-led cultural plan, created in partnership with the City of Newark. Newark Arts’ key initiatives include Arts Ed Newark (AEN), the ArtStart community grantmaking program, and the award-winning Newark Arts Festival. Learn more about Newark Arts.
NEWARK DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
The NDD is dedicated to revitalizing downtown Newark by improving the economic viability of the central business district and enhancing the quality of life for residents, workers, students and visitors through supplemental services, marketing & physical improvement programs.
In 2016 Newark Downtown District participated in the transformation of the Amtrak retention wall on Route 21 in Newark, NJ into the country’s second-longest mural — approximately the length of 25 football fields. The “Gateways to Newark” project is the first of several entryway renewals and beautification projects that include public art, spurring economic growth, and markedly changing first impressions for travelers entering Newark. The Portraits mural represents NDD's continued commitment to those who live, labor, and leisure in downtown Newark. Learn more about Newark Downtown District.
INVEST NEWARK
Invest Newark, the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, propels the City’s strong and diverse economy, builds vibrant communities, and creates opportunities for all Newarkers. Our dedicated team of expert planners, investment professionals, and innovators ensure all Newarkers have the resources to thrive. Invest Newark supports small, women and minority-owned businesses, invests in world-class internet service, spurs real estate development and executes economic development activities to produce and sustain economic growth, generate jobs and create wealth for the citizens of Newark. Invest Newark - Advancing Economic Prosperity for All Newarkers. Learn more about Invest Newark.
RBH GROUP, LLC
Located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, RBH Group, LLC and its sister companies RBH Project and RBH Management, offer full-service real estate financing, development and management services to foster urban redevelopment that manifests positive social impact in Opportunity Zones nationwide. RBH companies have the advantage of deploying in-house expertise that includes project financing, master planning, predevelopment, project/construction management, owner’s rep services, and project execution. The RBH companies bring a wealth of experience and focused attention to addressing a full range of real estate needs. Learn more about RBH Group.
PARAMOUNT ASSETS, LLC
Paramount Assets is a real estate investment company serving the needs of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Paramount takes underutilized historical buildings and renovates them completely, retaining their original structure and grandeur while making them suitable properties for affordable housing, restaurants, banks, shopping centers, and more. Learn more about Paramount Assets.