Project for Empty Space is proud to launch Newark Grounds: Benefit for Public Art + Celebration of Groundbreakers—honoring the leaders who champion and invest in Newark’s public art and creative spaces.

Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 7pm, at PES at Ironside Newark (110 Edison Place, Newark, NJ) for a special evening of community, connection, and a gathering highlighting new artworks and neighborhood-centered initiatives debuting as part of Newark Grounds. A VIP portion of the celebration will start at 6pm for VIP ticket holders. 

This year, we’re honored to celebrate three leaders whose work is shaping the future of Newark’s public spaces:

• Tai Cooper (Statewide Economic and Community Development Leader) Groundbreaker: Leadership Award — Recognized for visionary leadership that advances arts, culture, and public space at a regional and statewide level.

• Marcy DePina (Executive Director, Newark City Parks Foundation) Groundbreaker: Stewardship Award — Honored for sustained local leadership that protects, nurtures, and expands access to public spaces through care, collaboration, and advocacy.

• Chantal Fischzang (Interdisciplinary Designer & Associate Professor of Communication Design, Rutgers University-Newark; Co-Director, Design Consortium) Groundbreaker: Community Impact Award — Celebrated for collaborative, design-driven work that strengthens under-resourced arts organizations and builds cultural infrastructure for the public good.

Proceeds from the evening support Project for Empty Space’s public art efforts and Newark Grounds, a walkable cultural corridor bringing +75 public artworks into daily city life, —helping activate shared spaces through art, community partnerships, and initiatives that make Newark more vibrant, welcoming, and accessible.

We're excited to reveal this year's them: Kaleidoscope. This year's experience unfolds through Kaleidoscope, a visual and spatial language inspired by Damien Davis's new sculptural installation in Mullberry Commons, Newark, NJ. Guests are encouraged to dress the part: bold, sculptural, and Kaleidoscope - inspired. If "Kaleidoscope" were a look, what would yours be?

Benefit Program

• 6:00 – 7:00 pm     VIP portion of the celebration
• 7:00 – 7:30 pm     Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres
• 7:30 – 8:30 pm     Groundbreakers Awards Ceremony
• 8:30 – 9:30 pm     Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres

The celebration will be a Cocktail-style Reception, with hors d’oeuvres, and remarks from our Honorees. Tables will be reserved for select Leaders Circle supporters and above.

PES is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. Estimated fair market value of the event is $150 per person. Contributions in excess of that amount are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

If you are unable to attend the Celebration but would like to make a contribution, please visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/project-for-empty-space

To explore sponsorship opportunities, alternative payment methods, or if you have any questions, please contact Lucia Roldan at lucia@projectforemptyspace.org