2026 Call for Art: Small Works
Public Art Opportunity
County of Erie (New York) Arts in Public Places (AIPP)
Call Open: July 20, 2026
Deadline for Submissions: August 17, 2026. 12PM NOON
Please Note: Only Erie County residents are eligible to apply
Project Overview:
The Erie County Arts in Public Places Committee seeks artwork for installation at the Buffalo Convention Center. Works should be original (no reproductions), and should be ready for installation and exhibition (including the ability to hang the piece). Works may be in any medium. There are no size limitations other than those dictated by the exhibition space (see Schedule A). Artists may submit up to three works for consideration, please complete a separate application for each work.
Works collected through this Call for Art will be part of Erie County’s new Public Art Collection.
Project Background:
In 2023, the Erie County Legislature passed a Local Law that provides ongoing financial support for public art. The law seeks to make art more accessible to county residents and visitors and foster a sense of community connection and civic pride. The Arts in Public Places Committee was established to support the initiative by commissioning, selecting, placing, and preserving public art in a variety of media throughout the county.
The Arts in Public Places Committee is committed to enhancing Erie County’s public spaces with the inclusion of artwork that reflects the diversity and creativity of the local community. As part of this commitment, the Committee will consider the purchase of small works of art to be displayed inside the Buffalo Convention Center. Once purchased, small works may be moved periodically for display in other county-owned buildings, such as government offices, libraries, and community centers, where they can be enjoyed by the public and contribute to a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. This initiative provides local artists with an opportunity to contribute to the aesthetic and cultural landscape of the region while promoting public engagement with the arts.
This Call for Art is the second annual of its kind. The 2025 Small Works Public Art Collection is currently on display at the Buffalo Convention Center.
2026 Project Location:
BUFFALO CONVENTION CENTER
Address: 153 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202.
Details: Owned by Erie County, the Buffalo Convention Center recently underwent major upgrades including an overhaul of the building’s façade along Franklin Street and renovations to interior lobby and convention spaces. Additional investment included the installation of a mural, Queen City Kaleidoscope, on the facility’s Pearl Street exterior. Selected Works will be displayed prominently in the facility’s first floor, offering Erie County artists an opportunity to display their work in a central and high-traffic community space, providing high visibility and engagement with diverse audiences.
Please see Schedule A for a layout depicting where the artwork will be installed within the Convention Center first floor area. Please note arrows on the floor plan indicate wall dimensions of exhibit space where artwork will be displayed. The Committee will identify the appropriate location to install each Work. The artwork will be affixed to the wall; sculptural or freestanding pieces will be placed at the discretion of the Committee within the first-floor area. Submissions should consider the dimensions of available exhibit space and be no larger than 48" x 48".
Artwork Pricing:
Artists may set a purchase price no greater than $2,000. The purchase price must include any and all associated costs including, but not limited to, shipping/transporting the work to the designated Erie County drop off location.
Eligibility:
The project is open to artists residing in Erie County with an additional focus and priority for artists who are racially and ethnically diverse. Erie County artists who have completed an Art in Public Places public art project within the past five (5) years are not eligible. Artists who live outside of Erie County are not eligible.
Submission Requirements
- Two (2) quality photos of each submitted artwork. Please ensure the photos are free from glare, and the artwork is properly illuminated. The photos should be an accurate depiction of the artwork.
- Description of artwork: dimensions (inches), materials, concepts, colors.
- Is the work ready to be installed? Description of installation requirements. (Any framed works requiring glass or acrylic must have UV filtration)
- Final purchase price. The purchase price must include any and all associated costs and be no greater than $2,000.
- Short Bio and/or Artist Resume.
If you plan to submit more than one piece (up to three will be accepted), please fill out a SEPARATE application for EACH piece.
Submission Process
OR
Physical applications may be mailed or hand-delivered* to the following address:
Erie County Dept. of Environment & Planning
c/o Colette Balisteri
95 Franklin Street, 10th floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
*Please do not bring original artwork to the Rath Building, only complete applications may be submitted. Mailed or hand delivered applications must be received before the deadline, no exceptions.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 17, 2026, 12PM NOON (Late submissions will not be accepted).
We strongly encourage applicants to apply BEFORE the deadline. If you encounter any issues submitting your application, please email publicart@erie.gov or call Erie County Dept. of Environment & Planning at (716) 858-8390 before the submission deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Selection Committee and Criteria
The Erie County Arts in Public Places Committee, comprised of visual arts professionals and community representatives, will review eligible submissions. The Committee will ensure that the Works align with the County’s goals of cultural representation, diversity, and public engagement.
The Committee reserves the right to select one, multiple, or no works arising from this Call for Art. Works are subject to approval by the County Executive and the County Legislature. Approved artists will work with county officials to execute purchase contracts.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Artist Background (10 pts)
- Originality, creativity, craftsmanship, and skill of artwork (40pts)
- Ready to install (10pts)
- Overall quality of submission (40pts)
Project Schedule (subject to change)
| July 20, 2026 | Call for Art Open Date |
| July 24, 2026 | Deadline for questions on Call for Art |
| July 28, 2026 | Erie County releases Q&A document with answers to frequently asked questions.* |
|
July 27, 2026 at 5:30PM |
Virtual Information Session for Artists: Webex Virtual Link |
| August 17, 2026 at 12PM NOON |
Deadline for submissions We strongly encourage applicants to apply BEFORE the deadline. If you encounter any issues submitting your application, please email publicart@erie.gov or call Erie County Dept. of Environment & Planning at (716) 858-1572 before the submission deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted. |
| Late August | Semi-finalists will be notified via email. |
| August 31, 2026 | Semi-finalists drop off work for in-person review. Details and location will be provided. |
| Early September | Notification of Finalists via email. |
| September 4, 2026 | Recommendations submitted to Erie County Legislature for approval. |
| October - November 2026 | Purchase contracts finalized with artists for approved works. |
| Late Fall 2026 | Finalists drop off work for installation. Exhibit Opening. |
*For Questions & Answers, visit: https://www4.erie.gov/publicart
*Virtual Information Session on July 17 at 5:30PM
Copyright Information:
COPYRIGHT Information included in Artist Contract: The Artist expressly reserves every right available to him / her in common law or under the Federal Copyright Act to control the making and dissemination of copies or reproductions of the Work, except as those rights are limited by the Agreement: The Artist expressly permits the County to use the Work graphically for purposes strictly for the sole use and benefit of the public. All uses of the Work shall contain a credit to the Artist-Sculptor and copyright notice substantially in the following form: "Copyright, Artist's name, year of publication," in such a manner and location as shall comply with the U.S. Copyright laws. The Artist owns the design, and the County owns the physical Work.
Acquisitions are funded by Erie County. Per 2023 Erie County Local Law #4, ownership and title of all works of art acquired by the County shall be vested in the County of Erie.
Questions and Contact Information
For questions, please contact publicart@erie.gov
Schedule A: Buffalo Convention Center: Exhibit Space Layout (with dimensions)
