For this juried exhibition, "Lean on Me: Everyday Acts of Humanity", Rockaway Artists Alliance seeks artwork that depicts, embodies or promotes the theme of help. The exhibition will take place at T7 Gallery at historic Fort Tilden in NYC, and will be on view from May 17th - June 21st, 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. 

We seek 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 we as humans might experience throughout our lives including the loss of a loved one, economic instability or mental unwellness.

In Lean on Me: Everyday Acts of Humanity we hope to illuminate the hope in the darkness without cheapening the need of the sufferer. We 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 SuperStorm Sandy, we keenly remember 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 18th - June 21st, 2025.)

Eligibility Criteria

All US-based artists are welcome to apply! We especially welcome artists from the Rockaway Peninsula, Queens, and NYC. 

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