Art Ball 2026
Join us for an extraordinary evening celebrating Newark’s creative spirit, including a special preview of DREAMTIME IN NEWARK: Aljira and the Making of Global Contemporary Art.
This year’s Art Ball will take place on
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
at The Newark Museum of Art.
Honorees
Each year, the Art Ball shines a spotlight on individuals whose creativity, leadership, and commitment to the arts have made a significant impact on our community and beyond.
For 2026, we are proud to honor exceptional talents who have each, in their unique way, contributed to the cultural and artistic landscape, enriching lives and inspiring minds.
We invite you to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the arts with us.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Mayor Ras J. Baraka & Mrs. Linda Baraka
Honorary Committee
Miles & Suzanne Berger
Frank & Marie Giantomasi
Suzanne Spero
This Year's Theme
An artist-run enterprise in a city that has been too long and too often underestimated, Aljira lives at the heart of an extraordinary network of world-class artists and curators. For over 35 years, Aljira set the tone and style for contemporary collecting.
Dreamtime in Newark: Aljira and the Making of Global Contemporary Art reasserts the Museum’s commitment to being a space for all.
—
Cicely Cottingham, Tomorrow will come on its green footsteps (First Mountain), 2020. Acrylic on panel, 60 × 48 in. (152.4 × 121.9 cm). Collection of Victor Davson and Cicely Cottingham © Cicely Cottingham
Event Highlights
Join us in applauding the creative, innovative, and avant-guard spirit of Aljira.
- 6pm: Cocktails & Special Exhibit tours
- 7:15pm: Seated Dinner & Award Ceremony
- 9pm: Dessert Reception
Exclusive Art Ball viewings open all evening!
- Sneak peek of Dreamtime in Newark: Aljira and the Making of Global Contemporary Art
Your Impact
Art Ball directly supports NMOA’s mission, fostering growth and innovation. Your participation helps us offer unparalleled programming, maintain our extensive collections, and ensure access to art for all. Last year, we raised nearly $1 million, expanding our community reach and enhancing our offerings.
Sponsor Opportunities
Sponsoring Art Ball 2026 is an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to the arts and to the community, ensuring the Museum continues to be a beacon of culture, education, and inspiration. Each sponsorship level offers unique benefits, from exclusive experiences and significant brand visibility to meaningful engagement with our diverse and sophisticated audience.
To explore these opportunities further and find the perfect fit for your goals, please contact Robert Brown rbrown@newarkmuseumart.org or call 973.596.6357.
- Logo recognition in Art Ball 2026 social media channels (4.8M impressions) and event program.
- Recognition in annual report.
- Logo recognition on Art Ball 2026 web page.
- Prominent recognition on funders panel in NMOA Welcome Center.
- Free admission to The Newark Museum of Art for all employees and three (3) guests for one year.
- VIP tickets to NMOA exhibition openings.
- One private Museum tour.
- One complimentary rental of the Engelhard Court for a corporate event.
- Bespoke experiences/employee enrichment opportunities.
Inquire - Recognition in Art Ball 2026 social media channels (4.8M impressions), event program, and annual report.
- Logo recognition on Art Ball 2026 web page.
- Prominent recognition on funders panel in NMOA Welcome Center.
- Free admission to The Newark Museum of Art for all employees and three (3) guests for one year.
- VIP tickets to NMOA exhibition openings.
- One private Museum tour.
Inquire - Recognition in Art Ball 2026 social media channels (4.8M impressions), event program, and annual report.
- Logo recognition on Art Ball 2026 web page.
- Prominent recognition on funders panel in NMOA Welcome Center.
- Free admission to The Newark Museum of Art for all employees and three (3) guests for one year.
- VIP tickets to NMOA exhibition openings.
Inquire - Free admission to The Newark Museum of Art for all employees for one year.
- Listing in Art Ball 2026 webpage, event program, and annual report.
Inquire - $2,200 tax-deductible.
- Listing in Art Ball 2026 event program and annual report.
Purchase
Tickets and Donations
Art Ball provides vital support for The Newark Museum of Art’s exhibitions, collections, education programs, and community engagement.
We are committed to making Art Ball welcoming and accessible to all guests. Please share any accessibility accommodations, dietary restrictions, or other needs during registration.
Our Supporters
FAQ
Creative cocktail. Have fun with it. Bold color, a statement piece or something a little unexpected are all welcome.
We’ll host a cocktail hour with preview tours of our new special exhibit, DREAMTIME IN NEWARK: Aljira and the Making of Global Contemporary Art, from 6-7:15pm. Tours will be limited in capacity and will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Cocktail hour will be followed by our seated dinner and program. From there, we’ll close the evening with a jazzy dessert reception wrapping up at 10pm.
Valet is complimentary. Pull up to the Museum’s main entrance at 49 Washington Street to drop off your car, and pick it up there at the end of the night. Cars will be managed by our Valet team and will be parked at 20–54 Bridge Street, about three blocks away.
At the Museum’s front entrance: 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102.
Yes. The Museum is a short trip from Newark Penn Station and Newark Broad Street Station.
From New York City
- PATH: Take the Newark–World Trade Center line to Newark Penn Station. It takes about 25 minutes from the World Trade Center.
- NJ Transit: From New York Penn Station, trains on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines stop at Newark Penn Station. Midtown Direct trains (Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton lines) stop at Newark Broad Street. Either ride takes about 20 minutes.
From Newark Penn Station
- Light rail: Take the Newark Light Rail toward Broad Street and get off at Atlantic Street. Walk to Washington Park. The Museum is just across the park on Washington Street.
- Bus: Take the #11, #28 or #72 and ride seven stops to Washington Street & Washington Place. The Museum is directly across the street.
- Taxi or rideshare: It’s about a five-minute drive.
From Newark Broad Street Station
Take the Newark Light Rail one stop to Atlantic Street, then follow the walking directions above.
From elsewhere in New Jersey
Most NJ Transit rail lines connect to Newark Penn or Newark Broad Street. Plan your trip at njtransit.com.
Getting home: PATH runs all night. NJ Transit trains run late but less often, so check the schedule for your return trip before the event.
Nanette Carter, Illumination, 1980’s. Pastel on paper, 47.5 x 56 in. (120.7 x 142.2 cm). Collection of the Artist