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Newark-based Audible on June 22 announced requests for proposals are now open for interested Newark artists to submit toward the creation of the Newark Artist Collaboration, a program that will elevate the work of artists based in the Brick City, and encourage local investment in the creative community.

The Newark Artist Collaboration program will begin this fall with the unveiling of 12 commissions at Audible’s newly renovated 1 Washington Park headquarters and in the surrounding downtown neighborhood, which is undergoing a renovation in preparation for employees’ return to the office.

The request for proposals will close on Aug. 9. A virtual community meeting for interested Newark artists and arts institutions will take place on July 14 to review the inaugural scope of work and answer questions.

Audible’s scope of resources will support distinctive collaboration and advancement of artistic practice.

Opportunities will include indoor/outdoor façade activations (murals, wall installations, signage, etc.); digital artwork and video; experimental and immersive media (light, sound, etc.); interventions and functional sculpture; and design work in a collaborative framework (such as apparel and product design).

Express Newark, Newark Arts, The Newark Museum of Art, and Project for Empty Space advised on and supported the development of the program.

A jury of local arts professionals and stakeholders will play an integral role in the artist selection process.

“Our city has a long heritage of being a center for the arts, and what’s great about the Newark Artist Collaboration is that it will empower and commission local artists while giving them the opportunity to brighten our neighborhoods,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “I am grateful for Audible’s leadership in engaging Newark’s artists, and I look forward to seeing what they create.”

The Newark Artist Collaboration is an extension of Audible’s commitment to the cultural life of Newark, where it established its headquarters in 2007.

“Newark is the wellspring of generations of profound creative talent across arts, music, and culture, and I’m proud that Audible, which exists to serve the creative professionals who write and perform the words we deliver, can support artists in our hometown and help showcase their work,” said Don Katz, founder and executive chairman of Audible. “We hope to continue to lead by example, encouraging local investment and continued advancement of the arts.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1:06 p.m. EST on June 23, 2021. A prior version indicated that arts institutions were eligible for the program, that was incorrect. The updated version also lists interventions and functional sculpture as part of the list of project opportunities.