OPEN CALL: Sustenance & Survival

In its basic form, the word sustenance represents the act of providing nourishment or the process of sustaining life. While connected to survival – continuing to exist despite something – sustenance is more often about thriving or flourishing. We invite artists to submit works that consider both concepts — sustenance and survival – in their literal or symbolic forms. We are seeking artwork that examines the ways we are sustained—through food, shelter, support systems, relationships, resources, meaning, inspiration, purpose, or motivation—and/or how we survive in the face of personal, social, political, and ecological challenges. 

Timeline:
September 17, 2025 (11:59pm) – open call deadline
September 23, 2025 – notification of accepted works
September 24 – October 4, 2025 – work drop off dates
October 16, 2025 – opening reception 6-8pm (TBC)
January 8, 2026 – closing date

SUBMISSION FORM BELOW

Eligibility: Open to artists working or residing in Inwood, Washington Heights or West Harlem.

Each artist can submit up to 3 works. Wall-hung works in all fine art media will be considered. PLEASE REVIEW SUBMISSION GUIDELINES BELOW. All digital images submitted must be ready for inclusion in the online gallery on nomaanyc.org. For assistance preparing images, review Practical Steps for Digital Image Preparation with Patricia Miranda on NoMAA’s YouTube channel HERE 

• Please submit up to three (3) jpg or png images, your artist statement and resume.
• Label images as follows:  Last Name_First Name_Title_Media_Size_Year_Price.jpg  (e.g.: Smith_Maria_Woman in Blue_Acrylic on canvas_12x12in_2020_100.jpg) 
• Image size should be at least 1mb (at least 2500 pixels on shortest side)
• Wall-hung work must be under 90” in length or height and under 25 lbs. 
• Sculptural works that are freestanding or displayed on a pedsetal will be considered.
• All accepted artworks must be delivered a professional manner, including matting and framing of works on paper.
• Images printed on stretched canvas will not be considered.
• No poster-type plastic frames.
• Unframed works must be cradled, stretched or appropriately mounted (excluding textile, 3-D or odd-shaped works, which must include hanging hardware.) 
• All works must have hanging wire attached to the back (2-4” below top edge of work).
• All work must be labeled on the back with the artist’s name and title. 
• All artwork must be available for the duration of the exhibition. 
• Sales of artworks are not conducted by NoMAA. However, a price list will be available and artists will be contacted directly by interested buyers. We suggest a donating 15% of the sale price to NoMAA. 
• Images of the artwork may be used by NoMAA for promotion of the exhibit (for non-commercial purposes only), including on NoMAA’s Google Arts and Culture page. 
• Artists will sign a loan agreement provided by NoMAA at the time of notification. 
• Artists are strongly encouraged to participate in an artist talk. (Date TBD)
• NoMAA has up to $2,500 of insurance for each work. Any additional insurance required is the artist’s responsibility. 

SUBMISSION FORM
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