With its roots going back almost two decades, Art All Night started as a 24-hour annual community arts celebration, pop-up gallery, and fundraiser presented by Artworks Trenton. The first Art All Night Festival took place on June 16-17, 2007. The vision for Art All Night was to democratize the arts. Specifically, the five major goals were to: (1) Empower artists who would normally not have an opportunity to showcase their artwork in public with a venue to do so. (2) Build community by encouraging people of all different lifestyles, races and incomes to interact. (3) Foster social networking between creative people who have an interest in improving Trenton. (4) Showcase Trenton’s great architecture and development-ripe buildings. (5) Market the hosting organization, Artworks’ classes, exhibitions, events, and volunteer opportunities as further enrichment opportunities for the community.
This past year, after a five-year hiatus, due to various challenges including COVID, we debuted a re-imagined version of this event -one that is reflective of our vision for the future. The event took place over the weekend of June 29-30, 2024, at its new home, the Trenton War Memorial Theatre on Memorial Drive in downtown Trenton. The event featured displays of works by local artists of all ages and skill-levels, live mural painting by local artists, a film festival and educational masterclasses to enable artists to take their talents further professionally.
Upon reflection, we recognize that we have been present and a part of many changes in the arts scene in Trenton. This year (2025) we’d like to express our appreciation for the growth over the years. With big changes to come in our city, we hope to spend this year taking a journey through the years from beginning to present. There is a “Trenton style” of expression, or art, and of community and we do not want others to lose sight of what they’re journeying into. Thank you to all of the movers, shakers, outcasts, and artists who went against the grain to make art and Art All Night what they are today in the town.
Also check out other Arts events in Trenton, Festivals in Trenton, Sports events in Trenton.
