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Art is Life - We are NYC


WorkWell NYC is excited to announce our 2023 Art is Life exhibit - “We Are NYC”

New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Over 8 million NYC residents infuse our city with food, music, fashion, dance, and art from across the globe. We truly are NYC!

For this year’s Art is Life exhibit, City employees are invited to share artwork that celebrates and reflects on the diversity and complexity of New York City. It is our hope that the exhibit will showcase how every New Yorker contributes to the culture and energy of our vibrant city.

Below are official submission rules, as well as other ways you can participate in Art is Life.

Questions? Send an email to workwell@olr.nyc.gov with the subject title “Art is Life”.



Eligibility and Rules  Learn More

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  • Must be a City of New York employee to enter
  • Employees are limited to one submission
  • Artwork must be original and reflect the overall theme “We Are NYC” – Celebrating the Diversity of NYC

Accepted Artwork  Learn More

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  • Performing Arts/Media (e.g. acting, audio recording, dancing, film, playing an instrument, singing, video): Maximum time of 5-10 minutes (can be an excerpt of a larger work).
  • Visual Arts (e.g. photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, collage, printmaking, textile). Up to 2 images of the same work may be submitted.
  • Literary Works (e.g. poetry, novel, short story, script): Ten page maximum (8.5”x11" PDF - can be an excerpt of a larger work).

Submission Guidelines  Learn More

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This year, artwork will be shared virtually and select pieces will be featured at an in-person Artist Showcase in spring 2023. You can choose to submit your artwork for either or both. Please use the following guidelines when submitting your work virtually or for the Artist Showcase.


Visual Art

Virtual Art Guidelines

  • You can submit a digital image of your artwork for the virtual gallery.
  • The image should be at least 300 dpi.
  • The format should be a .jpeg or .png file.

Artist Showcase Guidelines

  • You can submit wall art (2D art) or 3D art (sculpture, etc.) for the Artist Showcase.
  • The artwork should be no larger than 3 feet x 7.5 feet (36 inches x 90 inches).
  • It should weigh no more than 25 lbs.


Performing Arts/Media

Virtual and Artist Showcase Guidelines

  • Video or Film: You can submit a video or film both virtually and for the Artist Showcase. The guidelines are the same for both venues.
    • The video should be at least 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixel size) or 720p (1280 or 720 pixel size).
    • The video file should be formatted as .mpeg, .mov, or Quicktime file.
    • The video file should be uploaded and sent as a link from Vimeo, YouTube, Google Drive, or another similar site.
  • Audio: You can submit audio of your piece to be featured virtually and at the Artist Showcase. The guidelines are the same for both venues.
    • The audio file should be formatted as .mp3, .aac, or .wav.


Literary Works

Virtual and Artist Showcase Guidelines

  • Guidelines are the same for both venues.
  • The literary work should be no longer than 10 pages (8.5"x11") in length..
  • The literary work should be submitted in PDF format..



Submit Art is Life Artwork Here

Other Ways to Participate in Art is Life


  • Join our in-person Paint and Relax class | January 18, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ 22 Cortlandt Street

Gather with your fellow colleagues for a guided painting class, while you unwind to come relaxing music. The first 60 registrants will receive required painting materials.

Register here

  • Watch our Let’s Talk on-demand video on how you can foster your creativity, and experience the health benefits of enjoying art.
  • Download our self-care coloring book to relax and unwind while exploring your creative side.
  • Visit our Community Gallery to share photos of NYC art, NYC art history facts and trivia, and upcoming art events.