Project for Empty Space signs lease for gallery at Ironside Newark

Project for Empty Space, a multifaceted arts organization that aims to provides safe, equitable spaces for artistic innovation and complex public engagement around social discourse, has signed a five-year lease with Edison Properties for a 2,500-square-foot gallery and artist incubator space on the second floor of Ironside Newark in Newark.

Project for Empty Space describes itself as a woman-run, femme-powered, People of the Global Majority/BIPOC, Queer, and unapologetically radical ecosystem for creatives.

Its space at Ironside Newark, which features an entrance off the plaza as well as outdoor space, will serve as a gallery and will house the organization’s residence program. The nonprofit intends to move into the space this fall.

Lenny Lazzarino, SVP of leasing at Edison Properties, said the firm is happy to have PES.

“Our recent lease with Project for Empty Space demonstrates Ironside Newark’s community-focused approach,” he said. “As a conduit to the arts communities of Newark and New York City, Project for Empty Space will undoubtedly enrich our dynamic tenant roster and further solidify Ironside as an epicenter of innovation and creativity.”

Project For Empty Space officials said they will activate the new location and continue to create artistic spaces for growth and visibility through additional resources, studios and exhibition space, and more expansive public art initiatives, beginning with an Artist in Residence exhibition by artist Andrea Chung.

Following the exhibition opening, the organization will also host their inaugural Fall Ball in the space, bringing together members from across the city’s creative scene to celebrate the past, present, and future of Newark’s shining cultural community.

PES Co-directors Jasmine Wahi and Rebecca Pauline Jampol said they are thrilled to be in Newark.

“It is with great excitement that we open these new doors to foster a cultural artery for working artists in the core of downtown Newark’s newly established arts and education district,” they said in a joint statement.

“Our expansion to Ironside Newark will introduce a new realm of possibility for our existing studio facility and hub at 800 Broad Street. Together, our locations will bookend Edison place, increasing the footprint of public art and radically inclusive spaces available to the community.”

Ryan Starkman of Pierson Commercial represented the landlord in the deal.