It’s a busy month at Artworks Trenton and the main event doesn’t even happen until June.
Preparations are in full swing for the return of Art All Night, scheduled to take place Saturday, June 28, from 3 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday, June 29, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Trenton War Memorial. The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s theme is “Trennaissance,” which blends “Trenton” and “Renaissance” to “celebrate a cultural revival grounded in community, expression, and the enduring power of art to bring people together,” organizers say.
The main event will be previewed through a series of lead-up events titled “Artworks Trenton Presents: The Preview,” hosted at 19 Everett Alley. These pop-up happenings will bring back beloved pre-pandemic activities based on community feedback, including the glass blowing demonstrations and live performances. Attendees will also have the chance to co-create photo walls that echo past installations, to be revealed as featured works at the War Memorial during Art All Night.
“Trennaissance is more than a theme — it’s history in the making,” says Kenny Bullock, creative director of Art All Night. “We’re honoring the artists and cultural workers who built this space, and making room for the next generation of creators to rise. This isn’t just about art — it’s about community, legacy, and what we can build together when everyone is invited to the table.”
Art All Night is able to remain a free event due in large part to the generosity of donors. As part of its fundraising efforts, Artworks hosts a 12-hour stream-a–thon on Saturday, May 3, showcasing the Art All Night team as they take on dares, show their cooking and cake-decorating skills, and introduce themselves to the public. Donors at various levels can earn shout-outs or the opportunity to join the livestream. For more information visit www.artallnighttrenton.org/streamathon.
The core of Trennaissance is community collaboration, and in that spirit there are numerous ways for performers, artists, volunteers, or lovers of all things Trenton to get involved. Among the calls:
Volunteers: Community members ages 16 and up are invited to volunteer for four-hour shifts working on set-up, clean-up, or at the event. All volunteers receive a T-shirt. Volunteers under age 18 must have parental permission and are not eligible to work the overnight shifts between 5:30 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Artists: Visual artists are invited to submit one work in any medium. 2D artwork cannot exceed more than 36 inches in any direction, and artists must supply pedestals for sculptures. Sculptures cannot exceed more than 7 feet in height and 36 inches in width. Artwork cannot promote any organization, business, or person, and any artwork deemed sexist, racist, or pornographic will not be accepted.
Musicians: Each artist must submit one sample of a song, poem, or performance piece that they would like to present at the event. Musicians may apply for one or more of the following categories.
1. All-Day Performances: A showcase of Trenton’s variety and musical history.
2. Speakeasy Date Night: An intimate evening event featuring jazz, R&B, spoken word, and comedy, designed for couples and adults.
3. Morning Brunch Vibes: An uplifting and soulful atmosphere to start the day with energy and warmth.
All performances must align with the Trenaissance theme and be appropriate for public audiences. This is an unpaid opportunity. The submission deadline is Sunday, June 1.
Flea All Night: Making its debut in 2025 is Flea All Night, a late-night space of art, culture, and expression. The aim of the free entry event is to bring the community together to enjoy a space that uplifts services and goods including vintage items, food, beverages, and more.
Flea All Night takes place on June 29 from midnight to 4 a.m. at 13 West Front Street. Organizers seek niche vendors with cool displays and creative products that folks would want to spend their money on. Organizers are also in search of artists of all kinds to take the stage late night to keep the vibes going. Vendors will be asked to upload product and display photos, and performers will be asked to upload a brief video and photo.
Filmmakers: Now in its 11th year, the AAN Film Fest is a 24-hour celebration of cinema.
From student projects and indie gems to experimental shorts and feature debuts, the film fest showcases a wide spectrum of work on the big screen. Films sought include: Short films (no longer than 10 minutes); really short films (under 5 seconds); animation shorts; short “Adult Swim”/“Liquid Television” type animated/live action programs; short children’s animation; student films; fan films; music videos; skate videos and documentaries; graffiti videos and documentaries; interactive children’s films or programs; web series; and New Jersey-based films.
Awards will be given in various categories. The submission deadline is Sunday, May 25.
Muralists: Every year Artworks has had one or more muralists working and completing original murals during Art All Night. This year’s call is seeking designs based on the theme: “Old Habits Die Hard.” All designs must be family friendly, and artists must be able to complete their submitted design within the 24 hour timeline of the event. There is a material budget and stipend for selected artists. Submit completed designs to Lank@artworkstrenton.org by Saturday, May 31.
Teachers: Artworks is accepting proposals for master classes, interactive experiences, and live demonstrations.
Visit www.artallnighttrenton.org/opencall25 to apply for all participation opportunities.
Artworks introduces Route 1/129 underpass mural
Artworks has unveiled an ambitious project to reshape the urban landscape and redefine pedestrian experiences in Trenton. In collaboration with a dedicated coalition of nonprofit organizations and local and state government partners, Artworks has announced Phase 1 of the Trenton Artwalk: the commissioning of a public art mural to animate the Route 1/129 underpass.
The proposed mural, a permanent artistic transformation of the underpass’ north wall along Market Street, marks the initial step in creating a visually captivating and pedestrian-friendly Artwalk connecting the Trenton Transit Center with downtown Trenton. This project aims to foster a safer, more inviting passage while promoting healthy living and public transit use among residents, commuters, and visitors.
The Trenton Transit Center serves as a vital transit gateway, but pedestrians navigating the route to downtown Trenton face dark, unwelcoming conditions through the Route 1/129 underpass. The Trenton Artwalk initiative envisions a dynamic transformation, incorporating public art, wayfinding elements, traffic calming measures, and landscaping to create a safe and inspiring journey. Phase 1 of the Artwalk begins with the Route 1/129 underpass mural. This mural will brighten the underpass and reflect the vibrant history and culture of Trenton.
Artworks invites artists from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for this public art opportunity. The selected artist or artists will design, fabricate, and install a mural that captures the community spirit and enriches the city’s cultural landscape. Artists are encouraged to incorporate local themes and involve Trenton’s youth, schools, and communities in the creative process. Artists shortlisted for the next phase will each receive a $1,500 stipend to develop detailed proposals and present their ideas to the Art Selection Committee and community members.
For inquiries, contact publicprojects@artworkstrenton.com with “Artwalk Mural Wall EOI” in the subject line. To learn more and apply, visit callforentry.org.
