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Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art, is an artist-centered institution. The initial impulse for its founding originated with a group of emerging artists in 1983 looking for inexpensive workspace. Aljira was first located in a 5000 square-foot third-floor walk-up loft space in the Roseville section of Newark. The center's programmatic agenda and mission evolved from the idea of providing opportunities for artists outside the mainstream and delivering cultural services to the underserved. As the leading contemporary art space in New Jersey, Aljira is fully aware of its responsibility for enhancing public knowledge, increasing art appreciation and promoting the visual arts. The extraordinary accomplishments of Aljira's artists continue to be proof of its programmatic excellence. The principle that the work of the artist extends well beyond the studio has become and increasingly integral part of the Aljira rubric. Aljira and its community of artists represent not only the highest levels of artistic excellence; they also serve important roles as leading citizens in communities where the live and work. Aljira artists are founders and developers of arts organizations; they are innovators and activists who, through exhibitions, community action and education outreach programs, bring the arts to underserved audiences; and they function as articulate and persuasive advocates for the arts in New Jersey and beyond.