Aljira's 35-Year Legacy: Celebrating Newark's Iconic Artist-Led Space

On October 15, the Newark Museum of Art will open "Dreamtime in Newark: Aljira and the Making of Global Contemporary Art," celebrating the 35-year legacy of Aljira, a nonprofit exhibition space founded by Victor Davson and Carl E. Hazlewood in 1983. The exhibition will run through June 30, 2027, showcasing 66 artworks by 43 artists.

Aljira's Impact on Newark's Art Scene

Founded in the wake of the Newark Rebellion of 1967, Aljira emerged as a vital platform for socially engaged artists critiquing issues such as gentrification and racial capitalism. The name "Aljira" is derived from the Australian Aboriginal word for "dreamtime," reflecting the organization’s commitment to fostering artistic expression and community engagement.

Throughout its history, Aljira has played a significant role in the careers of many prominent artists, including Dawoud Bey, Firelei Báez, and Jeffrey Gibson. In its early years, the nonprofit hosted strategic exhibitions like the 1987 "With and Without Acclaim: International Black and Hispanic Artists," which showcased underrepresented artists when few institutions did.

Exhibition Highlights and Featured Artists

The upcoming exhibition will feature works by renowned artists such as Amiri Baraka, Emilio Cruz, and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. With a total of 66 artworks displayed in the museum's expansive 4,500-square-foot space, attendees will experience a diverse range of artistic practices championed by Aljira.

Guest curator Alliyah Allen notes that the early exhibitions were instrumental in addressing inequities and institutional shortcomings within the art world. After moving to a smaller space closer to the Newark Museum of Art, Davson and Hazlewood continued to highlight critical social issues through their programming.

The Legacy of Aljira and Its Future

Despite ceasing operations in 2018 due to financial challenges, Aljira's influence remains significant. An archive project led by Davson and artist Cecily Cottingham aims to preserve the organization's history and impact on the greater New York art scene.

Artist Jeffrey Gibson, who participated in Aljira's Emerge program, remarked on the importance of the space, stating, "I know that starting it in Newark and finding a brick-and-mortar space was not easy. But I think Aljira has had a huge impact on the greater New York area art scene." The upcoming exhibition represents a vital opportunity to reflect on Aljira's contributions and celebrate its enduring legacy.