WorkWell NYC is accepting submissions for the Art is Life 2026 Employee Artist Showcase!

2026’s theme is “(Human)kind: Human Connection and Spirit in the Age of AI.” Artists are invited to explore how access and equity are being shaped by AI. This exhibition reflects on the strength of the human spirit, and our ability to empathize, create, and connect. What does it mean to be human in an increasingly digital age?

Submissions will open Monday, January 5 through Monday, March 2, 2026.

Eligibility and Rules:

• Must be a City of New York employee to submit artwork
• Employees are limited to one (1) submission per person
• Artwork must be original and reflect the overall theme “(Human)kind: Human Connection and Spirit in the Age of AI”. Artwork can be a new or existing piece and is eligible regardless of its past history of exhibition. No AI-created work will be accepted.
• Artwork must be submitted through our electronic submission form by Monday, March 2, 2026.

Art is Life 2026 welcomes submissions from all art disciplines. Please categorize your work under one of these categories:

• Visual Arts (photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, collage, printmaking, or textile)
• Performing Arts/Media (time-based work such as acting, audio recording, dancing, film or video, playing an instrument, or singing)
• Literary Works (poetry, novel, short story, or script)

If you are unsure which category your work falls under, email workwell@olr.nyc.gov.

Type of Display

Visual Arts

Visual artwork showcased physically (e.g., a painting, physical print of a digital image, sculpture, etc.) will be displayed in the gallery.

• 2D pieces will be hung on the gallery walls. Artwork should not exceed 60 inches high x 60 inches wide x 5 inches deep including the frame (frame optional).
• 3D pieces will be displayed on a pedestal that is 12 inches x 12 inches. If your piece is freestanding, it will be considered for physical display on a case-by-case basis.

Visual artwork showcased digitally (e.g., a digital image file of a physical 2D or 3D work, digital photography, digitally created illustrations, etc.) will be displayed via a projector.

• Images must be high resolution (at least 300 DPI).
• Accepted file formats are .jpg, .jpeg, or .png file.

If you are taking a photo of your physical artwork, please ensure your work is well-lit, in focus, and against a solid background.

Performing Arts/Media

Submit a file no more than 2 minutes in length (can be an excerpt of a larger work). If submitting more than 2 minutes, please specify the start time to play the sample during review; otherwise, only the first 2 minutes will be reviewed.

Performing arts/ media works will be displayed via a projector on a digital reel inside the gallery.

• Video recording: Only high resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) .mp4 files accepted.
• Audio recording: Only .mp3 files accepted.

Literary Works

Submit no more than two (2) pages (8.5”x11”) maximum. Submissions can be excerpts of a larger work. If more than two pages are submitted, specify the page numbers that you are submitting for review. Otherwise, only the first two pages will be reviewed. Only PDF files will be accepted.

Literary submissions will be compiled into a binder for display inside the gallery.

If you have any questions about the submission process, email workwell@olr.nyc.gov. We look forward to reviewing your artwork!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What else do I need to submit with my artwork?

Artists must include the following with their submission:

• Medium - Tell us about the materials, tools, and/or techniques used to create your artwork.
• Artist statement - In 150 words or less, please describe your artwork. Tell us about how your artwork relates to the 2026 Art is Life theme and credit additional collaborators if applicable. Add anything else about the artwork you would like to share, including but not limited to the inspiration behind the piece; the role you had in creating or conceptualizing the artwork; the message you would like to convey to viewers through your work.

Can I submit more than one artwork?

• Artists can only submit one artwork. If your work is part of a larger collection, please submit the piece that you feel best represents your work.

Does my art need a frame?

• Artwork does not need to be framed.

What are the expectations for artists that are physically displaying their visual artwork at the in-person showcase?

• Artists are expected to


• Drop off their pieces at the gallery within one week before the in-person showcase opens.
• Pick up their artwork within two weeks after the in-person showcase closes. Artists can designate someone else to drop off and pick up their work if they cannot come in person.


• Artwork that is not picked up after the gallery is closed will be donated to WorkWell NYC’s art collection.

What are the terms and conditions of agreeing to participate in Art is Life 2026?

• All participating artists are attesting that the artwork created is their own work and that there has been no copyright infringement. In the event other individuals were instrumental to the creation of your artwork, you attest that they are credited in your artist statement. WorkWell NYC is not liable for any infringement of rights that arise during curation or display of any artwork.
• By submitting your artwork for Art is Life 2026, you grant WorkWell NYC permission to use your artwork for Art is Life and wellness program promotional purposes, including but not limited to print, digital, and social media. Descriptions/artist statements may be edited for length, tone, language, or consistency.
• By delivering your artwork for the in-person showcase, you agree not to hold WorkWell NYC and its affiliates responsible for things like damage in the normal handling (storage, hanging, etc.) of your physical artwork during the time you leave it in our possession for the in-person showcase.

---

Art is Life 2025 Employee Artist Showcase June 24-27

Our 2025 virtual gallery is live! Visit on.nyc.gov/virtualgallery to check out this year’s submissions.

The theme of this year’s exhibition is "Life Lessons Learned”, a key aspect of WorkWell NYC’s Project B.U.I.L.D. programming. “Life Lessons Learned” draws on moments of growth, resilience, introspection, and the human experience. This collection will celebrate learning from the challenges and beauty in each of our journeys.

The Art is Life 2025 Employee Artist Showcase will feature works created by City employees in the following art forms such as:

• Visual Arts (photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, collage, printmaking, or textile)
• Performing Arts/Media (acting, audio recording, dancing, film or video, playing an instrument, or singing) and
• Literary Works (poetry, novel, short story, or script)

To learn more about past showcases, visit nyc.gov/projectbuild.

Art is Life Gallery Exhibition: March 25-27, 2024

Check out these photos from last year's in-person exhibition.

Check out our previous Art is Life galleries:

• 2024 Theme: Building Understanding
• 2023 Theme: We Are NYC! Celebrating the Diversity of NYC
• 2020 Theme: Reflecting the Events of 2020