Fall for Arts 2025: Open Call

Join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025, for Roosevelt Island’s 20th annual Fall for Arts Festival on the Meditation Lawn (rain date: Sunday, September 14). Painted panels will remain on display for several weeks before selected works are moved to the Motorgate Gallery for continued exhibition.

RIOC & RIVAA are now seeking artists to paint a mural during the festival. This year’s themes are:

• Freedom from Fear

• Freedom to Imagine
  

  If you would like to participate, apply by Friday, August 15th to the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8QS85Bgah8ooU2wjdg8Iq1kJwUCihkFNU71wMTDbcUm3_qQ/viewform

You will be asked to provide the following:

1. Your name and contact information

2. Your theme selection: “Freedom from Fear” OR “Freedom to Imagine”

3. A sketch of your design with a 6x8 ratio (JPEG preferred), finished-looking and in color if the panel will be painted in color

4. Brief descriptions of your design’s concept and technical method

5. Materials you will use, including choice of acrylic paint or spray paint. If using spray paint, indicate what colors and whether a full or half can is needed for each; there is a maximum number of colors provided.

Important guidelines:

1. Only one application is allowed per person or group

2. Applying does not guarantee selection, and the process is competitive

3. You must paint the exact design you submit. If selected, any changes must be pre-approved.

4. All work must be two-dimensional. No 3-D elements permitted.

5. Participating in the festival is free. The following supplies are provided:

   1. A primed mural board and ground tarp

   2. Acrylic paint (black, white, yellow, red, blue, green) OR spray paint

   3. Brushes, water containers (there is a community water source), and mixing trays

   4. A protective coating applied post-festival

Email submissions@rivaagallery.org with any questions.

We welcome your participation and creativity. Good luck!