Call For Artists

2026 Call for Work

Founded in 1991, Buffalo Arts Studio is a not-for-profit arts center committed to creating cultural connections in our community through exhibitions, public art, and educational programs. We also provide exposure and affordable studio space for local visual artists. Buffalo Arts Studio is a catalyst for self-empowerment and for the cultivation of new ideas and actions to enhance our region.

Buffalo Arts Studio is accepting applications for the 2026 exhibition cycle that reflects the belief that artists and curators can effect change through collaborations that balance community needs with artistic insight. All programs will take place in and around Buffalo’s East Side and all are curated with the intent to support contemporary art and artists, spur dialogue between varied audiences, and promote social, economic, and representational justice. Buffalo Arts Studio engages the diverse WNY community and works to effect change across the spectrums of gender, race, class, and physical and developmental disabilities by partnering with grassroots organizations whose work encompasses economic, social, and ecological justice efforts.

In support of Buffalo Arts Studio’s curatorial goal of economic and representational justice, we are providing a $1,300 honorarium to solo exhibiting artists for the 2026 exhibition calendar with $500-$1,500 in material and installation support is available as well. Additionally, shipping and travel costs, including food and lodging per diem, may be included in project proposals made by artists living and working outside of the WNY region. This is made possible, in part, through the generous support of the Andy Warhol Foundation and the John R. Oishei Foundation, among many other sponsors. Buffalo Arts Studio is committed to supporting emerging and established artists while nurturing future leaders of the arts community. Direct submissions of artwork are integral to our curatorial process and local, regional, and national submissions are encouraged.

For the 2026 season, Buffalo Arts Studio is developing programming that considers the following questions:

• How might artists, curators, and cultural critics hold social, political and cultural institutions accountable for systemic oppression and disregard for environmental health?
• How might curators, artists, and collecting institutions present art that acts as a counter-narrative to the questionable claims of “progress” surrounding notions of development and expansion?
• How might artists, curators, and grassroots community activists frame these conversations in new and diverse ways?

If you are interested in being a part of this exhibition series, please submit the following through the form below.

• Artist’s statement (250 word limit)
• Resume/C.V.
• Letter of intent with a project proposal
• Work sample (10 images as a single PDF)
• Work sample checklist with title, date, medium, and size (single PDF)

There is no deadline for submission, and proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information about the open call for artists or specific calls for work, please contact Curator Shirley Verrico at shirley@buffaloartsstudio.org