2026 Arts Exchange Exhibition RFP
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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. Individual artists are invited to submit existing artworks for an exhibition opportunity that aligns with ArtsWestchester’s programmatic mission. Its series The Arts Exchange , aims to both gain deeper insight into the minds of artists and provide a public forum that highlights the people and ideas shaping our local creative economy.
This opportunity is an open call for works by Westchester and Rockland County artists. The exhibition will be on view in ArtsWestchester’s gallery, within its historic landmark building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, from February through April 2026. Artists applying for this opportunity should take note of the guidelines below. Applications that do not meet these conditions will not be considered.
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. Now a creative hub in the heart of downtown White Plains, the organization plays a major role in raising awareness and inspiring discussion around contemporary local and global issues.
ArtsWestchester regularly displays works that advance thoughtfulness about topics that resonate within its local communities. This 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.
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 County.
- 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).
- Application deadline is December 12,2025 through Submittable. Notifications will be sent out by the last week of February. ArtsWestchester will not consider applications that are not submitted via Submittable.
- Applications will be reviewed and selected by the Public Programs staff in conversation with the ArtsWestchester Arts Committee.
Important Dates:
RFP opens: November 12, 2025
Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
Notifications: December 19, 2025
Loan Agreement signed and returned: Dec 31, 2025
Individual Artists:
Dropoff of artwork: January 20 - 23, 2026
Exhibition opens: February 14, 2026
Opening Reception: February 21, 2026
Exhibition closes: April 12, 2026
Artwork pickup: April 13 – 17. 2026
Terms and Conditions:
- Selected artworks must come to the gallery ready to be installed with proper hardware. ArtsWestchester has the sole discretion as to the location, positioning and pedestal selection of artwork in the gallery.
- Artworks that contain digital media must include a USB with properly formatted files. ArtsWestchester holds a limited number of projectors and monitors.
- Awardee will sign a Loan Agreement, which will include information including the artist’s name, materials, date of creation and retail price. Information contained within the Loan Agreement will be used for wall labels and cannot be changed afterwards. Loan Agreements that are not signed and returned by December 31, 2025 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 –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 for up to two weeks after the exhibition closes. Any artwork left after this period will be deemed abandoned and ArtsWestchester will use its discretion for its removal.
- ArtsWestchester retains the right to remove artwork that is deemed unsafe or inappropriate.
Questions for this application can be sent to Megan Meadowlark (mmeadowlark@artswestchester.org).