Acrobatic Performer Spins in the Air Above the Attendees at The Newark Arts Museum for Gold Ball

The Gold Ball at the Newark Museum of Art: A Dazzling Kickoff to Newark Arts Festival Newark Arts truly knows how to throw a pARTy! The Gold Ball at the Newark Museum of Art on October 8 was an unforgettable kickoff to a whirlwind week celebrating the city’s vibrant arts, music, and creative spirit. What is the Newark Arts Festival 2025 (NAF) Gold Ball celebration? For one celebratory night, the Newark Museum of Art becomes a golden sanctuary of shimmering radiance. Newark Arts, in collaboration with visionary designer Bailey Li and fashion artist Erika Hicks, invites you to our golden realm where art and celebration collide. The Gold Ball returned as the official kickoff of Newark Arts Festival 2025: JOY, New Jersey’s largest celebration of arts and culture happening citywide from October 8th – 12th, 2025 in Newark, NJ. Guests were treated to a feast for all five senses — from stunning visuals and captivating performances to rhythmic sounds, curated liquid spirits, and a warm, golden glow that filled the museum’s elegant halls. The iconic gold doors of the Newark Museum set the tone as attendees — artists, performers, and art lovers alike — arrived in their most dazzling attire, each adding their own “splash of gold” to the evening. Inside, the immersive experience continued. The space came alive with performances, music, and innovative fashion — creating a visual symphony that embodied Newark’s bold creative energy. While there were fewer exhibiting artists than in some previous years, each piece was thoughtfully curated to delight the senses and leave attendees yearning for more. Patricia Mitrano, Chair of the West Orange Arts Council and Sponsor from Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, said, “The Gold Ball Celebration was a fabulous event filled with high-spirited people, creativity, and energy with attendees from all walks of life. It was so reaffirming of the power of art and culture.” And there is more — the Newark Arts Festival continued through the weekend with a full lineup of exhibits, performances, and community events that filled every corner of the Brick City with art, culture, and connection. Bravo to Newark Arts for continuing to shine as one of the city’s brightest stars — showcasing what can happen when creativity, community leaders and corporate support come together to celebrate all that’s good in Newark.