New Ironbound Mural Embodies the Love of Soccer

The New York Red Bulls, Newark Arts, Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB), and the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) have announced the completion of a new public artwork, Unity Gol, by Newark artist Diegumberrto. The mural is located at 529-531 Market St., a site commonly crossed when local fans journey from Newark, over the Jackson Street Bridge to a match at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. An unveiling for the artwork took place on Tuesday, December 20th.

Unity Gol (Unity Goal) is a spirited, illustrated portrait of our local soccer communities. The mural shares the story of soccer culture - each side populated with lively supporters in fanwear, throwing confetti, waving scarves and flags, immersed in the energy of our local arena. Centered, a player in mid-bicycle kick flies above a familiar landscape, demarking important Ironbound, Newark landmarks, and familiar facades. Diegumberrto hopes to capture the passion, and binding importance of the game. “Soccer is a sport that unifies people of all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and languages. The mural embodies the love of the game and adds a level of excitement as people gather to walk across the bridge to Red Bull Arena,” said the artist.

Born and raised in Cañar, Ecuador, Diegumberrto moved to Newark, NJ in 2020. He was awarded the commission from an RFP administered by the Newark Arts Artsource program earlier this year. Unity Gol assisting artists and operators include Monet Sheard, Randy Harris, and Mark Hartmann.

“We are proud to partner with Newark Arts, the GNCVB, and the IBID to celebrate our community and its deep-rooted passion for the sport of soccer in the Ironbound. The art represents a true collaboration between the city of Newark and the club, showcasing iconic landmarks, our passionate supporters, and the rich culture of soccer that lives within the neighborhood,” said Justin Baier, Director, Marketing, New York Red Bulls.

The New York Red Bulls have collaborated with the Newark Arts Artsource program to create local public art opportunities. This is the third mural completed over the last 24 months with earlier works by Elijah Minton and Hans Lundy. Newark-based organizer Rebecca Pauline Jampol has managed the series.

“Newark Arts is honored to have worked alongside fabulous partners like the New York Red Bulls, the GNCVB and the IBID to bring this vibrant and poignant public art piece to fruition. Muralist, Diegumberrto, and Project Manager, Rebecca Jampol, and their talented team, have transformed a busy intersection into an eye-catching destination for soccer fans and art enthusiasts alike. That is the power of public art," said Felicia Swoope, Executive Director of Newark Arts.

“The GNCVB is proud to collaborate with the New York Red Bulls, the IBID, and Newark Arts on the creation of a mural in the Ironbound section of Newark," said Ricardo Salazar, President and CEO. “Soccer is a sport that is deeply rooted throughout Newark’s many communities, bringing families, friends, and visitors together. Art, like sports, is a universal language that spans social, age and cultural boundaries. This mural is a visual representation of the uniqueness of Newark’s Ironbound and its rich culture and diversity, while at the same time celebrating the energy of the game and its fans."

“The Ironbound’s diverse community has always been energized in support of the national soccer teams from around the world that are represented in our district, but quickly adopted the Red Bulls as their local side,” noted Vince Baglivo, the IBID’s Executive Director. “This mural has been years in the making through the IBID’s collaboration with Red Bulls, joined by the GNCVB and Newark Arts, and this location is the perfect place to highlight the connection between our district and Red Bull Arena. On match days, supporters walk from the Ironbound to the stadium across the Jackson Street Bridge, and we hope this amazing mural will draw cheers from fans of the Red Bulls, the Ironbound District, and the City of Newark.”