Ever heard of a place named after an Aboriginal word for dreamtime? That place was Aljira A Center for Contemporary Art. It stood as a beacon for artistic expression. Aljira’s name suggested timelessness. It also symbolized open possibilities.
Aljira A Center for Contemporary Art was founded in 1983. Victor L. Davson and Carl E. Hazlewood envisioned it. They wanted a space that embodied the essence of its name.
Aljira played an integral role in many artists’ professional lives. Initially, Aljira had humble beginnings. It started on the fourth floor of a building. There was no elevator. There was no air conditioning. Direct street access was absent. But Aljira made progress. It moved to 591 Broad Street. This move enabled Aljira to take its campaign for contemporary art to the street.
Aljira’s mission was clear. It fostered excellence in visual arts. It achieved this through exhibitions and educational programs. These served as catalysts for inclusiveness and diversity. Aljira promoted cross-cultural dialogue. It enabled a better understanding of the times. Aljira strengthened public understanding and support of visual arts. It did this through collaboration. It also used community-based educational programming.
Aljira sought out emerging and under-represented artists. It brought the work of more established artists to the community. Through visual arts, Aljira bridged racial, cultural, and ethnic divides. It enriched people’s lives.
Exhibitions were at Aljira’s core. Aljira promoted art perceived as problematic by mainstream institutions. The exhibition space at 591 Broad Street revitalized its ability to exhibit such work.
Aljira launched Emerge in 1999. This was a professional development program. It provided practical career development training for emerging artists.
Culture Creators was another Aljira initiative. It was an innovative program for teens. It built literacy, analytical, and interpersonal skills. It provided a firsthand perspective on careers as artists or curators. The program connected Newark public school teenagers with arts professionals. It provided opportunities for students to create art and present exhibitions.
Aljira Design was founded in 1991. It was a graphic design studio. It generated revenue to support Aljira’s programming and growth.
Aljira received many accolades. In 2006 and 2007, Aljira was designated a Major Arts Institution. The New Jersey State Council on the Arts recognized it. In 2006, Young Curators was renamed Culture Creators. It expanded to serve four Newark Public Schools. In 2005, Aljira redesigned the Aljira Emerge program. This was a result of its pilot program with Creative Capital. It offered strategic planning seminars for artists.
In 1993, Aljira organized the U.S. representation at the IV Bienal Internacional de Pintura in Cuenca, Ecuador. The project was so successful. It traveled to 10 additional countries.
Sadly, Aljira closed in 2018. It faced financing difficulties. However, its legacy remains. Aljira’s impact on the art world is undeniable. It fostered creativity. It promoted diversity. It enriched the community. Aljira A Center for Contemporary Art was a true dreamtime realized.