What is the Asphalt Art Initiative?
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative responds to the growing number of cities around the world embracing art as an effective and relatively low-cost strategy to activate their streets.

While cities incorporate art into public spaces in a variety of ways, the focus of this initiative is what we’re calling asphalt art: visual interventions on roadways (intersections and crosswalks), pedestrian spaces (plazas and sidewalks), and vertical infrastructure (utility boxes, traffic barriers, and underpasses).

Why was this location chosen?
The grant will support the development and installation of a mounted public art project at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and the Interstate 280 off-ramp in Newark. This area of focus is bound by Interstate 280 to the south, Clifton Avenue to the west, Bloomfield Avenue to the north, and Broadway and Broad Street to the east, and was at one time known as Newark’s Little Italy.

This location is heavily trafficked by passerbys, bicycles, scooters, motor vehicles and trains. At this time, the underpasses are poorly lit and under-maintained. This installation hopes to improve walkability and welcome those traveling by. 

A survey has been released to collect feedback from local residents about the condition of this space and open space for ideas and concepts to be considered. It can be accessed here. Inquiries can be emailed to info@projectforemptyspace.org.

What is the project’s scope of work?
Applications options include a mounted mural (which could be painted or high-resolution printed) and painted sidewalks. Very important: Paint cannot be directly applied to the walls. The walls will be cleaned and repaired prior to installation. Project for Empty Space will work with the selected party to translate their design to a mounted medium.

The applicants are asked to think abstractly about the surfaces provided, and how to best activate some or all to create a vibrant, welcoming, and walkable space.

Site Images: Download Here.

Is community engagement important?
This opportunity is designed to be impact-driven and to engage the community. In addition to the project proposal, artists are asked to outline potential outcomes:

• How might this installation transform the current location of focus?

• Will it encourage walkability, or prompt a safer environment?

• How might it impact those in transit via bicycle, scooter, motor vehicle, train, etc? 

• Are there opportunities to involve the others in the production- conceptualization, making, or celebration? 

Who is eligible to apply for this?
New Jersey artist(s) and artist collectives are welcome to apply. To be eligible to submit a proposal, applicants must be 18 or over and currently living or working in this region. Applicants must show evidence of currently living or working in New Jersey, which may be accomplished by submitting (i) an active home or studio lease, (ii) a current utility bill, or (iii) a current letter of employment.

What is the fee structure and production support?
The selected party will receive an honorarium of $10,000, with additional support for materials and production equipment. 

What is the anticipated project timeline?
Applicants will be notified by the end of September of 2022. At that time a timeline will be put in place to complete by the end of the year. 

Are we missing something? Send us an email at info@projectforemptyspace.org