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Bisa Butler and Durand Bernarr Headline 25th Newark Arts Festival

The Newark Arts Festival marks its 25th anniversary this October with a five-day cultural showcase themed "On Purpose." From October 7-11, the city hosts 74 artists and performers, headlined by acclaimed textile artist Bisa Butler and Grammy-winning musician Durand Bernarr, underscoring the festival’s enduring role in New Jersey’s creative landscape.

Bisa Butler and Durand Bernarr Headline 25th Newark Arts Festival

Butler kicks off the festivities with an opening-night conversation and a curated exhibition during the city-wide Art Night Out. Bernarr follows with an intimate performance and discussion at The Newark Museum of Art, exploring the intersections of creative process and intentionality. The program spans a diverse range of events, including the 25th Anniversary Exhibition, the Newark Arts Council Ball, and the recurring Open Doors Studio Tours.

Executive Director Lauren LeBeaux Craig describes the event as a reflection of the city’s inherent creative daring and independence. Executive Producer Daryl L. Stewart views the "On Purpose" theme as a tribute to the community’s resilience, framing the festival as a bridge between global figures and homegrown talent. Beyond the performances, the anniversary coincides with the launch of the On Purpose Capital Campaign, an initiative aimed at securing long-term resources for local artists and expanding cultural programming throughout the city.

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