By Krystle J Bailey
48 Blocks AC, the highly-anticipated city-wide arts celebration, returns this June. The weekend-long event began in 2017 and is the flagship program of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City.
Since 2017, ACAF has provided opportunities for creators and community members to gather in celebration of the local arts. From mural tours and live music to the dozens of hands-on activities being offered throughout the city, there is something for art enthusiasts of all experiences, ages, and backgrounds during 48 Blocks.
Each year, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation team curates a 48-hour arts and cultural experience with 48+ installments throughout the 48 blocks that make up Atlantic City, NJ. When life went virtual in 2020, they got creative and delivered a weekend of virtual painting, poetry, how-to classes, virtual tours, and more.
This year, 48 Blocks is back and bigger than ever. The celebration kicked off on Memorial Day weekend at The Garden at Cardinal, Atlantic City’s newest contemporary American restaurant. Festivities will continue June 19-25, including the long-awaited return of “mural week,” when local, regional, and global muralists are invited to install a diverse range of styles and free creative expression throughout Atlantic City. This year’s muralists are Mikey Whorror, Cara Vaughn, Erika Matyok, Gary Lindley, Efrain Lemus, and John Morris. The intensity turns up on the weekend of June 24th and 25th when art will fill the city from Brown Park to Gardner’s Basin.
Chef Michael Brennan of Cardinal is hosting a sold-out fundraiser dinner, “From Palette to Plate,” inspired by the color palettes of 8 different 2023 mural artists on Tuesday, 6/20, at 5 pm.
Down the street at Anchor Rock Club, “Rock the 48 Blocks” will take place on June 22, featuring DJ Samwas spinning funky hip hop, groovy house, electronic music, and some hard-hitting jam-funk along with Red Meat Conspiracy. Ticket sales, available at anchorrockclub.com, support 48 Blocks AC.
“48 Blocks AC has always been about bringing the community together and celebrating throughout Atlantic City,” shares ACAF Interim Executive Director Kate O’Malley. “We are excited to be hosting programming in four neighborhoods and to be partnered with several local businesses and organizations. We are looking forward to celebrating art and culture in AC with our community on June 24 & 25th!”
Jitney mural tours will be offered in four different AC neighborhoods (all free and family-friendly). Weekend attendees will receive a passport that they are encouraged to get stamped at each of the four 48 Blocks’ main locations. Limited edition 48 Blocks AC t-shirts will be offered to those who complete the mission.
Five Atlantic City restaurants are offering “48 Blocks” specials with proceeds supporting ACAF. Visit Little Water Distillery, Cardinal, Good Dog Bar Atlantic City, Hayday Coffee, and Bar 32 to try everything from “The 48” to “The Palette Refresher.”
Learn more about 48 Blocks at acartsfoundation.org/celebrate.
Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, author and poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
