Artswestchester believes that artists are often keen observers of their time and place; they create artworks that respond to the challenges and triumphs of the moment, illuminate complex issues, and inspire dialog around current local and global events. ArtsWestchester invites individual artists, artist collectives/groups, and independent curators to submit existing artworks and/or proposals for two (2) exhibition opportunities that are aligned with its programmatic mission. Our goals of this series, titled The Arts Exchange, is to gain deeper insight into the minds of artists and to provide a public platform for a local creative economy. 

One exhibition in the series will be an Open Call for individual artworks by ArtsWestchester artist members. The other will be an Open Call  for thematic group exhibitions, featuring ten or more artists, by artist collectives or independent curators. The exhibitions will each be on view in ArtsWestchester’s gallery, a historically landmarked space at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains from April through July 2024. Artists may apply to both opportunities, but please note the differences in the Guidelines below. 

About ArtsWestchester’s Exhibition Programming:

ArtsWestchester is committed to supporting and promoting regional artists. The organization acquired the former People’s National Trust building in 1998 and converted it into a venue for the arts. As an arts center in the heart of downtown White Plains, the organization plays a major role in raising awareness and inspiring discussion about contemporary local and global issues. ArtsWestchester’s Public Programs department showcases regional artists and advances thoughtfulness about topics that resonate within the community. 

ArtsWestchester’s Gallery program has included Modern Families, a photographic inquiry into an expanded look at who and what constitutes the American family and She, a deconstruction of female identity and reflection of modern womanhood. In 2024, ArtsWestchester will present Futures, an exhibition looking at how the Hudson Valley’s built environment will change for future generations. 

Past exhibitions for The Arts Exchange series have included group exhibitions by the White Plains Puerto Rican Cultural Committee, Inc., which explored Puerto Rican heritage, and The Ground Glass, a show by a local member-based photography organization. 

The Arts Exchange: An Open Call Opportunity for Individual Artists

ArtsWestchester will look for artworks of all media and content. Artists are encouraged to consider ArtsWestchester’s exhibition history in selecting their works for submission. Additional guidelines and eligibility requirements include:

• Artists must work, reside or maintain a studio in Westchester or Rockland Counties. These artists must have a membership with ArtsWestchester that is current through January 1, 2024. Artists who are not current members may join ArtsWestchester by clicking on this LINK .

• Artists may submit up to three (3) works for review. 

• Artworks cannot exceed 48” in any direction (including the display of multiple units of objects within one work). 

• Deadline to apply is January 1, 2024 through an application on Submittable. Notifications will be sent out by the last week of February.

• Applications will be reviewed and selected by the Public Programs staff in conversation with the ArtsWestchester Arts Committee.

The Arts Exchange. An Open Call Opportunity for Collectives and Curators

ArtsWestchester seeks submissions for a group show of all media. Applicants are encouraged to consider ArtsWestchester’s exhibition history in selecting their works for submission. Additional guidelines and eligibility requirements are as follows:

• All applicants must work, reside, or maintain a studio in Westchester or Rockland Counties. 

• Applicants are required to provide up to ten (10) images of work that would be exhibited, and a list of at least ten (10) artists who would participate in the proposed exhibition. 

• Proposed exhibitions should have a clear thematic vision as well as a statement that defines the intended audiences, and how those audiences may be cultivated. 

• Deadline to apply is January 1, 2024 through an application on Submittable. Notifications will be sent out by the last week of February. 

• The selected group will receive a $2,500 stipend for artist honoraria and/or exhibition-related expenses.

• Applications will be reviewed and selected by the Public Programs staff in conversation with the ArtsWestchester Arts Committee. 

Important Dates:

RFP opens: November 27, 2023

Deadline to apply: January 1, 2024

Notifications: February 28, 2024

Loan Agreement signed and returned: March 25, 2024

Individual Artists: 

Dropoff of artwork: April 1-5, 2024

Exhibition opens: April 13, 2024

Exhibition closes: May 26, 2024

Artwork pickup: May 27-31

Collectives / Curators:

Dropoff of artwork: May 29-June 6

Exhibition opens: June 8

Exhibition closes: July 21

Artwork pickup: July 22-26

Terms and Conditions: 

- Selected artworks must come to the gallery ready to hang/installed with proper hardware. ArtsWestchester has the sole discretion as to location, positioning, and pedestal selection of artwork in the gallery.

- Artist/Senior/Student Memberships are $35 annually. 

- Artworks that contain digital media must include a USB with properly formatted files. ArtsWestchester holds a limited amount of projectors and monitors. 

- Awardee will sign a Loan Agreement, which will include information for artist name, materials used, date of creation, and retail price. Information in the Loan Agreement will be used for wall labels and cannot be changed afterwards. Loan Agreements that are not signed and returned by March 25, 2024 will be excluded from exhibition and artwork will not be received. 

- ArtsWestchester takes a 40% commission on sold artwork. 

- ArtsWestchester will host one (1) public reception and provide basic food/beverage. Any extra provisions will be paid for and maintained by Awardee (collective/curator).  

- Gallery hours, subject to change, for public viewing are Wednesday – Friday 12-5pm; Saturday 12-6pm; Sunday 12-5pm

- ArtsWestchester will deinstall artwork within the following week of exhibition closing, during normal business hours. Artwork pickup will be made available during normal business hours up to two weeks after exhibition closes. Any artwork left after this period will be deemed abandoned and ArtsWestchester will use its discretion for its removal. 

- ArtsWestchester retains the rights to remove artwork that is deemed unsafe or inappropriate. 

Questions for this application can be sent to Adam Chau (achau@artswestchester.org).

ArtsWestchester Internship Program

ArtsWestchester offers internship opportunities in specialized fields. Our interns gain valuable experience that can be used in future careers such as: project management, public relations, professional writing, team collaboration, leadership and responsibility. Our interns enjoy an experience that is both meaningful and educational through creative projects and working closely with the staff members at ArtsWestchester. In addition to contributing to important tasks in specific departments, interns participate in professional development workshops and learn the daily operational functions of a successful non-profit organization. ArtsWestchester provides interns with a travel stipend to cover the costs associated with transportation to ArtsWestchester or events and complimentary admission to arts/cultural events throughout Westchester, where they can help build awareness of the arts. Internships can be used for college credit. Please fill out our online application for an internship at ArtsWestchester. 

The deadlines are as follows (application is rolling; early submission is strongly encouraged!): 

• Winter/Spring Internship (Jan-May) submission deadline - Friday, December 29th at 11:59pm.
• Summer 2024 Internship (June-Aug) submission deadline: Friday, May 10th at 11:59pm.

Applications accepted through the submittable portal only!

Requirements: 

• Fall/Spring Internships (during the school year) - must be currently enrolled in college, or a recent graduate.
• Summer Internships - must be a High School Junior or Senior, currently enrolled in college, or a recent graduate.
• Minimum of 10 hours between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, occasional evening or weekends may be needed for special events for certain departments.
• Must have a desire to learn about all aspects of arts administration.
• Must attend a mandatory orientation and 3 Professional Development workshops (dates TBA shortly):

Skills necessary for ArtsWestchester Internships: 

• · Demonstrated interest in the arts
• · Detail-oriented, self-reliant, and a fast learner
• · Works well with others and see tasks to completion in a fast-paced environment
• · Excellent Communication skills (both written and verbal)
• · Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• · Experience with basic office administration

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INTERNSHIP ROLES:

PROGRAMS 

Grant  Programs Intern:

The Grants Department intern provides administrative support for the Grants department of ArtsWestchester.  They will assist the Director of Grant Programs and department staff on a number of projects for our Affiliate members and grantees. 

Intern duties will include, but are not limited to: basic administrative support and data entry, tracing grant submissions and progress reports in Submittable (grants platform), preparation of materials for grant review meetings, note taking during virtual grant review meetings, affiliate and associate membership and member relations, professional development program logistics, exposure to Westchester and New York State advocacy efforts.

The desired candidate must have strong organizational skills, be familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Docs/Sheets. Position will be hybrid, candidate should have reliable access to transportation as well as reliable, consistent internet access and familiarity with Zoom. Time commitment is flexible, preferred preferred 10-12 hours per week, spread over two to three weekdays.

Gallery Intern: 

Assist with day-to-day operations of the ArtsWestchester’s Gallery, a dynamic fine arts space in the heart of downtown White Plains.

Intern duties include, but are not limited to:  experience at front desk reception of exhibition visitors, fielding phone inquiries about exhibitions and performances, exhibition support including basic registrar duties, database management, research, and special event staffing.

Arts in Education Intern:

The Arts in Education intern provides administrative support for the school and community art residency program and will assist in all aspects of the teaching artist program, youth art workshops, outreach, marketing duties, residency planning, and professional development for artists.

Intern duties include, but are not limited to: conducting research; communicating with artists, arts organizations, and cultural sites in Westchester; filing; organizing mass mailings; performing data entry; and assisting with special projects, programs, and events. Position will be hybrid, candidate should have reliable access to transportation as well as reliable, consistent internet access.

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COMMUNICATIONS 

Web Content & Database Intern:

ArtsWestchester seeks a talented, enthusiastic and collaborative individual with experience in web-design and content management. The candidate must be well organized, have working knowledge of Wordpress Block Editor, good writing skills, and some design experience. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to creating and updating existing content, SEO, and designing new templates for the website. Knowledge of HTML is helpful but not required. Hours are flexible, semi-remote.

Editorial Intern:

ArtsWestchester is seeking a highly-motivated and enthusiastic editorial wunderkind. Principal duties may comprise of drafting assigned articles, press releases and event descriptions, fact-checking stories, editing content, conducting front-end research for upcoming events and projects, helping with our digital operations (submitting articles online, posting calendar events to news sites), expanding distribution of publication outreach, assist in archival of photos and media clips, and offering general assistance to the Editor/Communications Department.

Intern duties include, but are not limited to: research and fact-checking skills; is web savvy; can tackle several different projects at once; working/understanding of word processing (Photoshop is a plus). This position is part-time.

Video Intern 2024:

ArtsWestchester is seeking a Video Intern for a special project in 2024 which may include interviewing artists. The ideal candidate is a film student with experience filming, producing, and editing video with interest in the arts.

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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 

Finance/Human Resources Intern: 

Work with Administration staff on analytics, budgeting, and updating HR or Finance policies. The ideal candidate is a business administration or related major who is proficient in Excel, detail-oriented, has excellent writing skills, and knowledge of accounting or bookkeeping is a plus! Preferred 3 days per week for 3+ months. Potential for a hybrid format of in-person and remote tasks. 

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DEVELOPMENT/FUNDRAISING

Development/Special Events Intern:

Work with development staff in all matters related to membership, special events, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grant requests, and major gifts. The ideal candidate must be comfortable on the phone.

Intern duties include, but are not limited to: providing assistance to the Development Department; executing mail merges and preparing mass mailings; entering data into The Raiser’s Edge fundraising database; creating and modifying Excel spreadsheets; phone solicitation; assisting with the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the annual Gala and Silent Auction; and working on special projects as needed. Position has flexible hours, Monday through Friday with some weekend and evening hours required for special fundraising events.