ARTS ED NEWARK HIGHLIGHTS CITYWIDE SUMMER ARTS OPPORTUNITIES
- Lauren Meehan
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Newark youth participating in SummerQUEST 2025
From dance and theater to jazz and multidisciplinary training, Newark youth of all ages can gain access to transformative creative opportunities all summer long!
NEWARK, NJ — May 5, 2026 — Arts Ed Newark is spotlighting a dynamic lineup of summer arts education programs taking place across Newark, reinforcing a central message: young people need access to the arts now more than ever. Through partnerships with leading arts institutions and education partners, Newark youth will have opportunities this summer to explore dance, music, theater, and interdisciplinary performance—experiences that build confidence, creativity, and connection.
“We need the arts right now,” says Lauren Meehan, Executive Director, Arts Ed Newark. “Arts education gives young people space to express themselves, process their experiences, and imagine new futures. These programs aren’t extras—they are essential.” Among the featured opportunities in and around Newark:
Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs offers students space to discover their unlimited potential through AileyCamp Newark, a fun-filled six-week summer dance camp where young people ages 11–14 learn to dance and explore their creativity, connecting youth to a legacy of artistic excellence and cultural expression. Applications being accepted through May 31. Apply here:
The Institute of Music for Children in nearby Elizabeth hosts an annual summer camp which provides a nurturing environment where young artists explore music, dance, and creative expression serving students entering grades 1-10. Learn more: https://summer-camp-imc.onepage.me/
At New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), multiple programs offer immersive, high-impact arts learning: Summer Camp Kids (Ages 9–12) | July 13–31; Summer Camp Teens (Ages 13–18) | July 13–31; TD Jazz for Teens Summer Intensive (Ages 13–18) | July 27–Aug 1. Led in part by acclaimed jazz educator Mark Gross, these programs emphasize collaboration, storytelling, and performance, with opportunities including original productions and participation in the Newport Jazz Festival. Learn more: https://www.njpac.org/education-program/summer-programs-2026/
Additionally, Newark Board of Education (NBOE) offers many summer programs that incorporate arts learning as part of a broader commitment to student enrichment and development for Newark residents. We want to especially note two programs: SummerQUEST, representing a nearly 15 year collaboration with NBOE and Arts Ed Newark partners to provide high-quality arts learning as part of the district’s summer learning program. Summer Quest provides summer learning, recreation and enrichment activities for students currently in grades K-7. Additionally, NBOE Office of Visual and Performing Arts will once again host its Summer Visual and Performing Arts Academy, an arts-focused enrichment program for students in grades 3-6 runs from 8:30am to 1pm and includes breakfast and lunch. The program concludes with performances in both musical theatre and dance, and an art exhibit. Both programs run from July 6 - Aug 7. Learn more: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/summerprograms/studentapp/
At the Newark Museum of Art, Camp NMOA 2026 (July 6 – Aug 14) offers a six-week, hands-on experience for ages 3–13, blending visual arts, science, and storytelling in a world-class art museum. Weekly themes—from imaginative world-building to global cultural exploration—invite students to create, experiment, and showcase their work through performances and exhibitions.Learn more: https://newarkmuseumart.org/learn/camp-nmoa-2026/.
Newark School of the Arts plans to bring some limited summer programming this summer. Check their website for updated information. Learn more: https://www.newarkschoolofthearts.org/
Further afield in Millburn, at Paper Mill Playhouse, students can participate in professional-level summer training programs focused on musical theater, performance, and ensemble collaboration. Learn more: https://papermill.org/education/summer-training/
Record High Summer Session is an immersive music camp for students ages 13-18 interested in exploring a career in the music industry, to take place at Prudential Center. Topics include, commercial songwriting, pop band ensemble, audio production and music business fundamentals. Learn more: https://therecordhigh.org/
Together, these programs reflect a growing ecosystem of arts education opportunities across Newark—yet Arts Ed Newark emphasizes that access remains uneven and must be expanded. “As an arts activist in our community, I want to highlight the many art projects, programs, and mixers available this summer and beyond through AEN and our partners,” says Mary Bey, graduate of Arts Ed Newark’s Arts Ambassador parent/caregiver advocacy program, and Arts Ed Newark Leadership Council member. She continued, “and exposure changes everything, opening doors and pathways. Please take advantage of these opportunities to experience the amazing talents of our children, friends, and family.”
Arts Ed Newark continues to advocate for equitable, sustained investment in arts education across all schools and neighborhoods, ensuring every child has the opportunity to engage in creative learning. Community members, families, and media are encouraged to explore these programs and support efforts to make arts education accessible to all Newark youth.
Please note that dates, times and programs are subject to change. Visit each organizations’ website for the most up to date information. For a seasonally updated, comprehensive guide of Newark arts education programming visit: www.artsednewark.org/program-guide. To see the most recent AEN SummerQUEST Arts Ed Impact Summary visit: www.artsednewark.org/data.
Media Contact:
Lauren Meehan, Executive Director, Arts Ed Newark
About Arts Ed Newark
Arts Ed Newark is a non-profit arts education organization whose 100+ partners call for equity in high-quality arts education for ALL youth in Newark. Through advocacy, partnerships, and community engagement, the organization works to expand opportunities and resources for student participation in arts learning across the city. For more information visit: www.artsednewark.org
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