Revisiting the pioneering Aljira, which championed socially engaged artists like Dawoud Bey and Jeffrey Gibson for over three decades, showcases the enduring impact of this iconic Newark artist-led space. Since its founding in 1983 by Guyanese artists Victor Davson and Carl E. Hazlewood, Aljira has played a crucial role in nurturing globally recognized figures while critiquing gentrification and racial capitalism.

Now, eight years after closing due to financial difficulties, the Newark Museum of Art will host an exhibition titled Dreamtime in Newark: Aljira and the Making of Global Contemporary Art, featuring 66 artworks by 43 artists. This retrospective aims to highlight Aljira’s strategic exhibitions that championed underrepresented voices during a time when few other institutions did.

The museum's exhibition, opening on October 15, 2023, will run until June 30, 2027. It includes works by esteemed artists such as Emilio Cruz and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, marking the culmination of Aljira’s efforts to support a diverse range of voices in the art world.

Aljira’s legacy continues through ongoing archive projects led by Davson and artist Cecily Cottingham. The organization's early programming, particularly With and Without Acclaim: International Black and Hispanic Artists, remains a testament to its commitment to equity and representation in an often exclusionary field.