With extensive input, lively internal debate and many re-writes, our updated mission statement now reads:
We welcome everyone with inclusive experiences that spark curiosity and foster community.
Sadly, like all our cultural counterparts, the ability to deliver on our mission is more challenging than ever right now. With our physical doors closed and most teams working remotely, we have attempted to foster community virtually with new digital experiences and increased content on all our social media channels. We have found ourselves falling back on and being enriched by some tried and true tactics like picking up the phone and having wonderful conversations with many of you. We are also looking inward to put our energies and support where it is needed most.
The Newark Museum of Art has always looked first to the city of Newark and its surrounding small towns and suburbs as the starting ground of our community spirit. Our “hometown” and its neighbors are now under siege, like so many other hot spots, from COVID-19. As during any devastation, we see some less than noble behavior, but we also see incredible acts of strength and generosity. One such organization is the United Way of Greater Newark with its Community COVID-19 Fund, set up to help the people of Newark and Essex County with everything from rental assistance to health services to virus testing. As a member of the Newark Anchor Collaborative, I get to witness firsthand Anchor Institutions in Newark making a profound positive impact on the city and the region. The United Way of Greater Newark has a long history of convening disaster relief funds in the community with impressive results, and I am personally grateful for all this organization is tackling. I hope you will consider joining in this regional fund designed to serve our 13 municipalities including Newark, Irvington, East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, Orange, Belleville, Nutley, Maplewood, Kearny, Harrison, East Newark and North Arlington.
Stay well. Stay Safe. We can’t wait to see you back at the Museum.
Linda C. Harrison
Director and CEO
The Newark Museum of Art
