Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art facts for kids
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| Established | c. 1983 |
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| Dissolved | 2018 |
| Location | 591 Broad St., Newark 07102 |
| Type | Contemporary art |
Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art, was a special art space in Newark, New Jersey, United States. It started around 1983 and was known for focusing on artists. The State Council on the Arts in New Jersey even called it a "Major Arts Organization." This meant Aljira was a very important place for art in the state.
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What Was Aljira?
Aljira was a place where many different kinds of artists could show their work. This included artists who were already famous, as well as new artists or those who hadn't had much chance to show their art before. The center also had an online store where you could buy books, art, and prints. Every spring, they held an auction to sell fine art.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name "Aljira" comes from an Australian Aboriginal word. It means "dreamtime," which suggests something that is timeless and full of endless possibilities. This name reflected the center's goal to be a place where art could explore new ideas and last forever.
International Recognition
In 1993, Aljira gained international attention. A special group called the Federal Advisory Committee on International Exhibitions chose Aljira to represent the United States. They helped organize the U.S. art display at a big art show in Cuenca, Ecuador, called the IV Bienal Internacional de Pintura. This was a huge honor for the center.
Helping Artists Grow
Aljira also had a special yearly program called Aljira Emerge. This program was designed to help artists learn how to succeed in the art world. At first, it focused mainly on painting. But over time, it grew to include other types of art, like sculpture, art installations, and video art.
The E10 Show
In 2009, Aljira held its tenth Emerge show, called E10. This exhibition featured 22 active artists who lived in the northeastern part of the United States. It was a great way to showcase new talent.
Why Aljira Closed
Sadly, Aljira closed its doors in 2018. This happened because the center faced difficulties with its funding. Even though it was a beloved place for art and artists, it could no longer continue operating.
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