The 2020 C2C, which begins Oct. 15, will look to build on the momentum of the inaugural event held at NJIT in 2019, which attracted more than 350 attendees and more than 75 vibrant, thought-provoking conversations, with topics that included supporting city entrepreneurship, collaboratively working with students to increase safety, forming and supporting existing artist collectives and arts centers, greening Newark, addressing gentrification, supporting Newark’s differently-abled community members and creating less racial separation in Newark.
Discussion and breakout sessions across the multi-day event aim to generate dialogue around the city's critical issues, while amplifying often-marginalized voices and fostering cross-initiative and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen community cohesion. The event is free and open to the public via Zoom.
“We are building a people-powered, grass-roots movement that bridges the gap between established dominant culture decision-makers and local community leaders,” said Elizabeth Murphy, Creative New Jersey’s founding director. “We are humbled by, and in awe of, the transforming power and community commitment of the Newarkers we are so fortunate to collaborate with and we are excited to gather, virtually, with these insightful, strategic and visionary colleagues.”
“Across our state, I have seen how the CNJ format unleashes the power of local citizens to become change-agents in their neighborhoods and organizations,” said Suzanne Ishee, director of the NJIT Hub for Creative Placemaking and a member of the Newark Host Team. “It is through identifying specific needs and issues, collaborative decision-making and taking ownership that Newark neighbors will be empowered to make the places where we live work and play thrive. NJIT has shown a continuing commitment to champion this effort.”
The Virtual Call will span four evenings: Oct. 15 (7:00-8:30 p.m.), Oct. 16 (9:30-12:30 p.m.), Oct. 19 (7-8:30 p.m.) and Oct. 20 (9:30-12:30 p.m.).
Newark’s C2C will offer participants an inclusive environment with opportunities to conduct breakout sessions in the language of their choice. Event organizers expect participants will lead sessions in Spanish, Portuguese, Creole, English and other languages.
Individuals interested in attending Newark’s Virtual Call to Collaboration can register for free:
Register in English
Registro en Español
For more information, visit www.creativenj.org or www.Facebook.com/CreativeN.
All Creative New Jersey’s statewide and local community-based programming is made possible through the leadership support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.