NJ’s Largest Art Tour Returns To In-Person In Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City is bringing back in-person tours for New Jersey's largest art tour this year.

The Jersey City Art & Studio Tour, also known as JCAST starts on Thursday and ends on Sunday — this year is the 31st anniversary of the event. The four-day showcase highlights 650 local and international artists at over 125 locations spanning the entire city. Events include curated tours, art demos and panel discussions with artists, arts organizations, and collectives.

This year, the tour is incorporating a new element: augmented reality. Over 200 murals across the city will offer the augmented reality feature. Using app-based technology, StraxAX by Strax Networks Inc., viewers can simply hold their cellphone up to a mural to bring the outdoor art to life. JCMAP will also be hosting a group exhibition show on Friday that will feature the canvas art of many of JCMAP’s participating muralists and will also have augmented reality features. The event will take from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in a street-level commercial space donated by KRE Group in Journal Squared at 605 Pavonia Avenue.

“We’re witnessing history in the making as Jersey City increasingly transforms into an unparalleled cultural anchor and arts destination, and JCAST serves as the grand finale to this pivotal year for arts and culture in our community,” said Mayor Steven Fulop, a staunch supporter of arts and culture. “Every year, I look forward to JCAST as it is the region’s premier art tour, showcasing Jersey City’s diverse community of incredibly talented and creative artists.”

Free bike and walking tours will be offered Saturday and Sunday in the city. All guided tours are free and open to the public.

“The arts can be powerfully therapeutic for people, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, and so we felt it was especially important to safely bring back JCAST with in-person events after going all virtual last year,” said Christine Goodman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “Every year, we welcome more artists and more attendants, and we expect this year to be the best JCAST yet!”

To kick off the 31st annual JCAST, an opening reception will be held on Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Powerhouse Arts District. The public event will include live outdoor performances, music, tours of Nimbus Arts Center Gallery and Art150.