Proposal Guidelines for the Arsenal Gallery

Located in the historic Arsenal Building in Central Park, the Arsenal Gallery is dedicated to examining themes of nature, urban space, New York City parks, and park history through a diverse schedule of art and history exhibitions. Committed to providing unaffiliated artists, independent curators, and non-profit organizations with an accessible exhibition venue, the Arsenal Gallery welcomes proposals for solo or group exhibitions.

NYC Parks invites professional artists to submit proposals for Arsenal Gallery exhibitions. Potential exhibitors must demonstrate the financial resources to mount and install an exhibition, print invitations and hold an opening reception.

Submission Requirements

Work and proposals are not reviewed in person. Please send a proposal by mail, including:

• A brief description of proposed exhibition (conceptual theme or artist's statement).
• Up to 15 images of representative work. Do not send portfolios, original slides or artwork.
• Image list numbered to correspond to images. Include title, date, materials, and the dimensions of the work.
• Resume of artist(s) and/or description of sponsoring organization. Include contact information.

Submit your proposal by email to artandantiquities@parks.nyc.gov or by mail to

Public Art Coordinator
City of New York, Parks & Recreation
The Arsenal, Central Park, Rm. 20
New York, NY 10065

Proposal materials will not be returned and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review Process and Responsibilities

Exhibition proposals will be reviewed by a departmental panel that includes the curator of the Arsenal Gallery and Director of Parks' Art & Antiquities Division, with the Commissioner of NYC Parks having final approval. Exhibitions are installed for a duration of six to eight weeks.

All media are considered, but the gallery has a very limited capacity for three-dimensional work.

Artwork can only be hung from moldings using monofilament and molding hooks. Exhibitors are responsible for producing and installing the exhibit and for related costs, such as printing invitations and opening reception. NYC Parks will provide a press release, mailing list, postage, and general coordination assistance.

The Arsenal Gallery is located on the third floor of the Arsenal building at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street in Central Park. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.