The Art$WChallenge matches gifts made in direct response to the Art$WChallenge during the period of August 15 through December 15, 2025. 

All donation documentation including donor form and proof of paid donation must be submitted through Submittable and will be processed in the order in which it is received. Matching funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participating organizations are encouraged to submit promptly, final submission deadline for documentation is 5PM on Friday, December 19, 2025. Hard copies or submissions by email will not be accepted. 

The Janet Langsam Vault Project is based on the belief that artists are visionaries who advance social change on both a micro and macro level. The Vault Project seeks to create an opportunity for artists to experiment, expand their practice, and have their voices heard. ArtsWestchester will provide funding for artists to conceptualize and realize site-responsive installations which also engage with important topics in the community. Of the project, Langsam says, “as vaults traditionally hold objects of high value, this space will be a permanent venue for artists to create, explore, and contribute to meaningful conversations. It is meant to elevate the intrinsic value of the arts beyond the marketplace.”

In 1998, as CEO of ArtsWestchester, Langsam led the acquisition and restoration of the People’s Bank & Trust building, a nine-story historic landmark now known as the Arts Exchange. Langsam sees the transformation of the building into an arts center protecting the building as a trusted place for the community. Artist studios, an exhibition and performance space, and educational opportunities are available for area residents and visitors year-round. The Mosler Safe Company’s vault, measuring 11ft x 15ft, is the focal point of the Grand Banking Room gallery. During ArtsWestchester’s initial renovation of the building in 2000, the vault was converted into a discreet gallery within a gallery. The 168 square foot space is ideal for promoting intimate experiences with outstanding works of art.
 

About the Opportunity:

Artists are invited to submit proposals for the Janet Langsam Vault Project. Selected artists shall receive a grant of $3,500 to realize a site-responsive installation within the decommissioned bank vault in the gallery of ArtsWestchester.  In addition, the artist is asked to design and lead a community engagement component of their project to be shared with the public, this can include an artist-led workshop, class, or event. There are two (2) available times. Artists should consider the following in shaping proposals:

• The Vault space is an opportunity in which to change or create an environment. The goal is for the viewer to have a thoughtful interaction by engaging with the vault as both a physical space and a conceptual idea. We welcome proposals in any/all media including performance, intervention, installation, sculpture, painting, photography, sound, video, text and projection.

• The selected proposal will clearly outline a vision for the space, have a specific point of view, and will stand out for its originality, creativity, and site-sensitivity/responsiveness. This is not an opportunity to exhibit discrete, individual works of art, but rather to create an immersive experience for the viewer.

• Projects can be provocative, keeping in mind we are an inclusive public space, with a broad audience, which includes many young viewers as well as the diverse cultural communities that make up Westchester County.

• Applicants should be able to demonstrate a capacity to develop/create an expansive installation.

• Finalist will work with ArtsWestchester to develop an artist-led workshop based on their project following the opening of the vault.

• Awards will be made by a panel of professionals in the art field.

Application Materials:

- Contact information (name, address, email, etc)

- Vision Statement for the Vault Project (250 words)

- Proposal (up to 5 images of sketches/models/etc)

- Previous Works (up to 10 images with a maximum of 20)

Timeline: 

RFP opens November 8, 2025

RFP deadline December 5, 2025

Finalist Interviews February 2026

Announcement of Finalist April 2026

Installation May 2026 OR September 2026

Exhibition May - July 2026 OR September 2026 - January 2027

Terms:

- Funds are all-inclusive of the needs of the project. ArtsWestchester will not pay past the allotted amount for additional expenses.

- ArtsWestchester reserves the right to decline all proposals if none meet the criteria as scored by the panel.

- Funds will be disbursed after all agreements are signed. 50% will be given at signing, 25% upon satisfactory completion of the installation, 25% upon completion of public engagement component of the project.

- ArtsWestchester reserves the right to terminate the project if it is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or not in keeping with the approved proposal.

- ArtsWestchester will clean and prep the Vault prior to installation. Artists can expect white walls and lighting at the beginning of project.

- Artists should be available for an opening reception, which will include a short 10-15 minute artist talk, to be followed by a private donor reception off-site. 

    Key Information:

The Mosler Safe was built out of steel. In it's conversion, plywood was added to allow for artwork to be hung on the walls. Please note the ceiling is made of steel and cannot be drilled into, though heavy-duty magnets work. There is a single outlet for electronics. The dimensions of the space is 11 ft by 15 ft. As there is a slight elevation, there is an accessible 12" ramp integrated into the room, original to the design. 

Questions can be sent to Logan Hanley, lhanley@artswestchester.org.