JCYMAP 2026 Open Studio

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Mayor James Solomon will join the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs, the Department of Recreation and Youth Development, and members of the local arts community to celebrate 12 years of the Jersey City Youth Mural Arts Program (JCYMAP). Founded in 2013 as an extension of the Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP), JCYMAP has grown into one of New Jersey’s largest youth mural arts initiatives. The program has helped transform Jersey City into a vibrant outdoor gallery while educating, inspiring, and empowering a new generation of young artists.

The JCYMAP 2026 Celebration will feature gallery exhibitions presented by the Monira Foundation( first floor ) and the LEDI Foundation ( fifth floor,)  as well as the premiere of the short documentary Discover the Artist Within: JCYMAP 2026. Directed by Duda Penteado and produced by Unshakeable Productions, the film highlights the creativity, growth, and impact of this year’s participants and documents their contributions to the newest JCYMAP mural.

Discover the Artist Within: JCYMAP 2026 at Mana Contemporary

This year marks 12 years of JCYMAP programming and the second year of its partnership with Mana Contemporary, which provides a dynamic environment combining museum and gallery spaces with active artist studios. Through this collaboration, JCYMAP students have benefited from unique opportunities, including internships, residencies, mentorships, studio visits, and meaningful interactions with professional artists.

Led by Creative Director, Filmmaker, and Lead Art Instructor Duda Penteado, with support from the JCYMAP team, the six-week intensive program trains Jersey City students ages 15–23 in every stage of mural-making, including concept development, design scaling, composition, surface preparation, paint application, and long-term preservation. Students also participate in community dialogue and cultural exploration, developing not only artistic and professional skills but also a deeper sense of civic pride, social awareness, and cultural understanding.

JCYMAP 2026 Selected Student Artists
Routhline Purification, Rubitha Balasubramani, Jordan Ortiz, Kiana Barnes, Erin Enriquez, Nivik Nolt, Ariana Moyon, April Vega, Naomi Gay-Faniel, Nefertiti Reid, Siobhian Williams, Vivian Miceli, and Seth Medina.This program was made possible by a partnership with the Jersey City Department of Recreation and Youth Development’s Summer Works Program. The program team includes Duda Penteado, Fine Artist, Filmmaker, Creative Director and Lead Art Instructor, JCYMAP; Imani Anighoro, Assistant Project Coordinator, JCYMAP; Cheyne Ali Anderson , Assistant Project Coordinator JCYMAP and Dawson Anderson – Film and Production Assistant.

Special thanks to the Mana Contemporary artists and creative professionals who participated in the JCYMAP 2026 program: Geraldine Neuwirth (Studio 553), Jonathan Twingley (Studio 433), Jodi Gerbi(Studio B21), Leandro Comrie (Studio B19), and Eric Nadler of the Jersey City Fab Lab. Their mentorship and collaboration greatly elevated the students’ artistic practice and professional growth.

JCYMAP also extends its gratitude to Kele McComsey, Director of Mana Contemporary Jersey City; Kristin DeAngelis, Senior Director of Strategies and Operations at Mana Contemporary; the LEDI Foundation; and the Monira Foundation. Their vision and support, together with the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Recreation and Youth Development, made this partnership possible.