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Call for Artists: Roosevelt Island Fall for Arts Festival 2026

Updated: 2 days ago




Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and RIVAA are seeking artists to create a mural during the 2026 Roosevelt Island Fall for Arts Festival.


Roosevelt Island’s 20th Annual Fall for Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, on the Meditation Lawn (rain date: Sunday, September 20). Painted panels (8x6 ft) will remain on display for several weeks, after which selected works will be moved to the Motorgate Gallery (a public community art space located inside the atrium of the Motorgate Parking Garage at 628 Main Street on Roosevelt Island) for continued exhibition.


Two themes have been selected for the 2026 festival edition: When I Dream and Bridges and Connections.


Application deadline: Saturday, August 15, 2026

Participation in the festival is free.


HOW TO APPLY


If you would like to participate, please complete the online application form:





Applicants will be asked to provide:

  1. Name and contact information

  2. Theme selection: “When I Dream” or “Bridges and Connections”

  3. A sketch of your design in an 8:6 horizontal ratio (JPEG preferred). The sketch should be finished-looking and in color if the final panel will be painted in color.

  4. A brief description of your design concept and technical approach

  5. Materials you plan to use, including your choice of acrylic paint or spray paint. If using spray paint, please specify the colors needed and whether a full or half can is required for each color. Please note that there is a maximum number of colors available.


Important Guidelines:

  1. Only one application is allowed per person or group.

  2. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection; the process is competitive.

  3. Selected artists must paint the exact design submitted. Any changes must be approved in advance.

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

  5. Participation in the festival is free. The following supplies will be provided:

    • Primed 8 × 6 ft mural board and ground tarp

    • Acrylic paint (black, white, yellow, red, blue, green) and/or spray paint

    • Brushes, water containers (a community water source will be available), and mixing trays

    • Protective coating applied after the festival


Please email submissions@rivaagallery.org with any questions.


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