On Wednesday, June 5th, Project for Empty Space completed a new mural on its storefront (800 Broad St. Newark) that presents an enlarged, nearly 55’ high Progress Pride Flag.
In partnership with the City of Newark Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Equal Space, and Four Corners Public Arts, this artwork was created as part of a multi-site Pride public art activation and call to action, Sound the Rainbow.
Sound the Rainbow was created in response to our contemporary moment across the United States. One in which social conservativism and hatred are spreading at a rapid pace. This is seen most acutely in overturning legislation that protects reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare and threatens the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. This past week, SCOTUS determined that businesses may refuse “expressive services” to same-sex couples or LGBTQIA+ people based on their own discernment. This reality is everywhere, including in our own communities.
These recent events will impact millions of Americans’ human rights. This program is a way, in the face of discrimination, to rise and resist. The mural, completed today, is a public statement- vowing to protect and uplift each other, not behind closed doors or in private, but loud and proud. Because each and every person, every Newarker, deserves to be seen.
On Saturday, July 15th, 2023, folks of all ages were invited to paint a 2-block, 550 ft. long asphalt PRIDE mural on Treat Place and Maiden Lane. This action was made possible with the support of the City of Newark’s Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs and The 2022 Newark Creative Catalyst Fund. The original iteration was created alongside North To Shore.
