NAF2026 | OPEN CALL FOR PERFORMING ARTISTS
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For 25 years, Newark Arts Festival has not happened by accident. It has been built and sustained through care, collaboration, and a deep respect for the people and practices that shape Newark’s creative community.
This year’s theme, On Purpose, reflects how this Festival is created and what Newark Arts Council values. Every artist, performer, and program is selected with intention. Every experience is thoughtfully developed and presented with rigor. We believe in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and transform; and we are committed to supporting that work with integrity, responsibility, and care.
From October 7 – 11, 2026, New Jersey's largest and longest-running arts festival invites local, regional, and nationally recognized artists to present bold, festival-only work that honors where we've been and shapes where we're going.
Visual artists, performing artists, and programmers are all encouraged to apply.
All applications must be submitted via Submittable. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Open Call for Performing Artists
Newark Arts Festival 2026 invites individual performers and small performing arts collectives of up to five members to apply for performance opportunities across the city. Whether you are a singer, musician, dancer, poet, host, DJ, or perform in any other form, this is your invitation to bring your artistry to New Jersey's largest and longest-running arts festival.
This year's theme, On Purpose, is a call to those who create with intention. We are seeking performances that demonstrate a high level of skill, strong execution, and a clear artistic perspective. Work should reflect both technical ability and a developed practice, with attention to detail in concept, presentation, and delivery.
Selected performers will be featured across Festival programming, contributing to a dynamic, citywide experience that reflects the range and depth of Newark’s creative community.
To apply, submit your application with links to your electronic press kit (EPK), social media, and performance samples. Due to the high volume of applicants, we will only contact performing artists we are interested in booking. Artists proposing larger productions, showcases, or ensembles of six or more members should apply through the Open Call for Programming and Performances.
Submission Guidelines:
All performing artists must submit an application through Submittable. Blind email submissions will not be accepted. If you have performed with NewarkArts Festival in the past, please note that in your application.
A non-refundable $10 application fee is required per submission, paid securely through Submittable. Fee waivers are available for artists experiencing financial hardship — contact us at festival@newarkarts.org to request one before submitting.
Performance opportunities span the full arc of the festival and include both paid and unpaid engagements: pre-Festival events, the Newark Arts Council Ball, Art Night Out, An Evening with..., and additional opportunities as they become available. Due to the high volume of applicants, we will only contact artists we are interested in booking.
- Application info session (mandatory for first-time applicants): May 26, 2026, at 7pm EST. Register here.
Need Help?
Join us on May 26, 2026, at 7PM/EST for a virtual information session. Register here.
Get support from a NAF representative, ask questions, and receive guidance on completing your application. For additional questions, contact festival@newarkarts.org.
Let’s make Newark Arts Festival 2026 our most purposeful and purpose filled festival yet!