Wards of Newark: Manuel Acevedo is more than an art exhibition — it is a reflection of Newark’s identity, history, and continued transformation.
Presented through a partnership between Rutgers University–Newark, New Arts, and the City of Newark, the citywide exhibition brings archival photographs by Manuel Acevedo into public spaces across all five wards, reconnecting residents with the stories, communities, and cultural richness that define the city.
The Wards of Newark public art exhibition officially opened on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM, with an opening event held at 5 Linden Street, Newark, NJ, in the Central Ward. Running from May 12 through October 30, 2026, the exhibition spans Newark’s Central, North, East, West, and South Wards, creating a citywide experience that invites residents and visitors to explore Newark through art and memory.
Developed during Acevedo’s residency at Express Newark, the exhibition features striking black-and-white photographs that capture Newark’s history, vitality, and diversity. By pairing archival images with contemporary perspectives, the exhibition offers a powerful reflection on the city’s evolution and the enduring identity of its communities.
As a proud sponsor, Hanini Group is honored to support initiatives that celebrate Newark’s past while shaping its future. Our work has always been rooted in the belief that development should strengthen communities, preserve cultural identity, and create spaces that serve the people who call Newark home.
The exhibition’s focus on memory, neighborhood identity, and inclusive revitalization closely aligns with our vision for the city: a Newark that continues to grow while remaining deeply connected to its history and its residents.
By transforming public spaces into places for reflection and dialogue, Wards of Newark reminds us that cities are built not only through buildings and infrastructure, but through the stories, experiences, and people that give them meaning.
We are proud to stand alongside the artists, organizers, and community leaders contributing to Newark’s cultural and civic future.
We invite residents, visitors, and members of the community to experience the exhibition across Newark’s five wards and discover a powerful visual journey through the city’s past and present. Learn more and plan your visit here: Wards of Newark Exhibition Detail.
