Rockaway Artists Alliance Seeks Submissions for Next Exhibit

Attention artists! The Rockaway Artists Alliance wants you to “Lean on Me.” The RAA is gearing up for its next exhibit at the T7 Gallery at historic Fort Tilden, “Lean on Me: Everyday Acts of Humanity,” so they’re seeking artwork that depicts, embodies or promotes the theme of help. The exhibit will be on view from May 17 – June 21, 2025.

Natural disasters, poverty, illness and other societal crises occur or carry on in spite of elections, reforms or lack thereof. There is always a great need. Who responds to that need continually regardless of politics and agendas? Everyday citizens, neighbors, family members, caregivers, volunteers, congregants, first responders, educators, artists, medical professionals and more.

The RAA seeks artists responding to the theme of “help” in light of 2025’s crushing blows to humanity including: the LA fires, North Carolina floods, record high numbers of people experiencing homelessness, war torn nations and ongoing military conflicts in Africa and Asia- as well as the personal devastation humans might experience throughout their lives, including the loss of a loved one, economic instability or mental unwellness.

In “Lean on Me: Everyday Acts of Humanity”, the RAA hopes to illuminate the hope in the darkness without cheapening the need of the sufferer. They are seeking work, both abstract or figurative, that explores the complexity of the helping relationship and sheds light on an issue or an emotion occurring within the setting of providing assistance in its various forms.

As an ocean-adjacent arts organization that suffered and survived Hurricane Sandy, the RAA keenly remembers our loss and the profound gratitude we experienced as a result of the overwhelming kindness and willingness of those who were not affected. All proceeds after operating expenses, will be donated to the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund.

Application Requirements:

• Contact information including name, email, phone number, address, website, and (optional) social media handle(s).
• Artist Resume or CV
• Artist Biography
• Artist Statement
• Up to five images, uploaded through the CAFE portfolio. Description must be complete, including title, date, media, dimensions, and price. See rules and terms below! Your work must be available for the duration of the exhibition and the installation/deinstallation period. (April 18 – June 21, 2025.)

Eligibility Criteria:

All U.S.-based artists are welcome to apply! Artists from the Rockaway peninsula, Queens, and NYC are especially welcome. Applications must be entered by Saturday, March 15. The entry fee is $30, and the media fee is $20. You must submit a minimum of three to a maximum of five work samples.

In support of artists in Los Angeles, CA and North Carolina who have been affected by the weather crises this past year, the RAA is offering those affected waived application fees. Please reach out directly to j.wanderer@raanyc.org for coupon code before applying.

To apply, head to: www.rockawayartistsalliance.org