2026 OPEN CALL FOR CURATORS
Ends on
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
APPLICATION OPENS: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM
The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) invites independent curators to submit proposals for our second 2026 Longwood Art Gallery exhibition, scheduled for June 10 – June 29, 2026.
BCA seeks to support and amplify diverse voices and narratives that reflect a strong commitment to environmental justice.
This exhibition will be presented at a renowned art space in Harlem, as part of BCA’s ongoing effort to build connections with other art organizations and expand opportunities for Bronx artists beyond the borough.
ABOUT THE LONGWOOD ART GALLERY
The Longwood Art Gallery is part of The Longwood Arts Project, BCA’s flagship program. Founded in 1981, it was one of the first alternative gallery spaces in The Bronx and to this day it maintains its pioneering focus on artists whose traditions and cultural practices are underrepresented by mainstream venues. The gallery derives its name from its original location at PS39 on Longwood Avenue. From 2003 to 2023, the gallery relocated to the campus of Hostos Community College. Since September 2023 Longwood Art Gallery is located in the Bronx Council on the Arts Head Quarters on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx.
The Longwood Art Gallery predominantly showcases artists of color, women and LGBTQ+ artists. Its exhibitions explore Bronx history, intersectional Bronx cultures, and social justice issues facing our communities. The gallery also offers programs for youth and adults that encourage dialogue and explore exhibition themes in greater depth.
ABOUT THE BRONX COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (BCA)
Founded by visionary community leaders in 1962, The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is a pioneer in advancing cultural equity in The Bronx. From our early beginnings as a presenter of affordable arts programming in select Bronx neighborhoods, we have grown into a cultural hub that serves the entire creative ecosystem of the borough. Our programs serve artists, the public, and the field at large by building connections, providing resources, and advocating for equitable practices. Then as now, we focus on supporting the work of underrepresented groups – especially artists of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this lens we offer affordable programs for seniors and youth and provide direct services to over 1,500 artists and 250 community-based arts groups each year. For more information, please visit www.bronxarts.org.
2026 OPEN CALL FOR CURATOR
Art has the power to inspire, provoke, transform, and heal. Curators and artists play a crucial role in social and political movements, expressing their views on the world around them. In today’s visual age, they can be a powerful force for change. Curators work creatively by illuminating social issues, catalyzing public discourse, and bringing new audiences into activism.
For the 2026 Exhibition Season, BCA seeks projects and artworks that focus on a range of environmental issues, including racial justice, gender equality, environmental justice, food justice, body justice, and mental health, among others.
Curators are invited to submit their proposals through Submittable. The submission may include artworks of all disciplines, including, but not limited to installations, video art, sound pieces, objects, sculptures, and paintings.
SELECTION PROCESS:
The Submission deadline is Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The application is open to curators residing in NYC. Proposals should include 60% of artists living in The Bronx. Notification of selection will be sent by Friday, March 6, 2026.
Finalists might be contacted for a virtual or in-person interview before selections are announced. Applications will only be accepted through Submittable. All applications will be kept in our files for future reference. For questions or technical inquiries, please contact longwood@bronxarts.org.
*No phone calls inquiring about the status of your submission, please.