Newark Art Gallery Aferro closes after 20 years of business
Yesterday, Gallery Aferro made a public announcement that they are closing down for good. Although the statement didn’t give an exact date, they did say 2003-2023 which indicates that it may have permanently closed already. This was mentioned on their Instagram account which gained hundreds of likes and comments in support of the gallery.
Here, the statement read: ‘Nothing Lasts ForeverGallery Aferro 2003-2023Dear friends, Gallery Aferro will be closing down after a truly spectacular twenty-year run as a DIY artist space. Let the legacy be love.’ The full statement can be seen below in more detail.
Although the statement was long and emotional, it did not address why it suddenly closed.
Over the years, Gallery Aferro gained a reputation for its innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions, which often featured work by underrepresented artists and addressed pressing social and political issues. The gallery’s programming was diverse and included solo exhibitions, group shows, and special projects that engage the local community.
In addition to its exhibition spaces, Gallery Aferro also operated a residency program, providing artists with studio space and resources to develop their practice. Based on this, its closure will be sad news for the local art community. Currently, there are a handful of galleries dotted around Newark, where Aferro was one of the most prominent.
