Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
The Art Scene Moves To Newark?
By
Ben Muessig
Published Dec 22, 2009
Modified Dec 22, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Muessig
Published Dec 22, 2009
Modified Dec 22, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Artists aren't moving across the East River — they're moving across the Hudson River, according to the Daily News. The tabloid reports that Newark, New Jersey boasts an emerging artistic community with a growing number of galleries and art institutions. “I thought downtown Newark resembled downtown L.A. before it was what it is now,” said gallery owner Saloman Anaya, 34. “We used to have derelicts and craziness on the streets, but that all changed.”
The paper makes the case that Newark is a great place for artists due to the large number of big, inexpensive, industrial spaces. Couple that with the fact that Newark is only a short ride on the PATH train away from Manhattan, and it starts sounding like Jersey's answer to Bushwick. Since 2002, the number of galleries in the city has grown from about 12 to about 20, according to the Newark Arts Council. At the same time, it has become home to hundreds of artists — some of whom pay as little as $200 a month for studio space.
Though the art scene is growing, sales at galleries are slow and it's tough to convince New Yorkers to schlep to Newark, according to artist Victoria Hanks, who has lived in a Newark loft for six years. “When they do, they’re very impressed, but Newark still has a stigma."
Tagged
art
artists
live work
loft
new jersey
newark
Ben Muessig
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
Thanks to Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and more, the rideshare program is having a moment.
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Published Oct 8, 2026
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
What happens when NYC kids take lessons in rock music? Really good bands.
By
Jayson Greene
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
By
Sonia Rao
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
By
Alec Hamilton
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .