It's true, and along with that, efforts to gentrify. Can't say if I feel entirely one way or the other about that but, my view is definitely from afar. Oh, and NYC sending homeless to Newark. Hah!
Gateway Center always has some interesting art projects. Walked through this morning and they had "animodules," described in the link above as:
Animodules™ are the Official Peace Ambassadors of Newark. They have created a platform to express social advocacy by including and honoring the children and youth of Newark in the cultural landscape of the city.
Our grandson at the Newark Print Shop, which is mentioned in the Village Voice article in the OP. (Don't know how to reduce the image.)
Promote your business here - Businesses get highlighted throughout the site and you can add a deal.
Saw this on our son's Facebook page. He's a big Newark arts booster.
https://www.villagevoice.com/2017/10/11/an-art-scene-grows-in-newark/
eta - Open Doors 2017 takes place October 12 through 15, in Newark, New Jersey (multiple locations). Information at newarkarts.org/opendoors