Organizer

CPW (formerly the Center for Photography at Woodstock) is a not-for-profit arts organization founded in 1977, dedicated to supporting artists working in photography and related media, and engaging audiences through exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and community-based programs.

Description

CPW announces an open call for the inaugural Upstate Photography Biennial, a major exhibition spotlighting contemporary photographic and lens-based practices across Upstate New York.

Organized by CPW curators Adam G. Ryan and Marina Chao, the Biennial will present work by up to 30 artists living and/or working in Upstate New York. The exhibition will occupy the entire first floor of CPW’s newly renovated headquarters in Kingston, and will run throughout Summer 2026.

Conceived as a recurring platform, the Biennial aims to highlight the innovative practices shaping photography today while fostering dialogue around the medium’s evolving role in the Hudson Valley and throughout Upstate New York. Each edition will be accompanied by a small-run, high-quality catalogue produced in-house by CPW Press and available both online and on-site.

Category

Photography & Lens-Based Practices
Including: fine art, documentary, experimental, installation-based, and video work.

Eligibility

  • Artists who live and/or work in Upstate New York
  • Open to all photographic and lens-based practices

Location

In-person exhibition at CPW, Kingston, New York

Key Dates

  • Open Call: December 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
  • Artists Notified: By March 1, 2026
  • Exhibition On View: May 30 – September 6, 2026

Application Fee

Free

Submission Requirements

Applications must be submitted via Submittable only (email and postal submissions are not accepted).

Required materials:

  • Work Samples: 5–10 images from a single series or body of work (2000px on the longest side, with title and date). Applicants may additionally include one video via screenshot and link (must be viewable online).
  • Short Bio: Brief description of your art career (250–300 words; no exhibition list).
  • Project Statement: Description of the submitted project (250–300 words).
  • Resume/CV: Listing past exhibitions, residencies, and related experience.

Additional Information

  • The Biennial will feature up to 30 artists
  • Exhibition details beyond dates will be announced
  • The catalogue will be available for purchase online and at CPW’s bookshop

Venue

CPW Kingston
25 Dederick Street
Kingston, NY 12401
Gallery Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM
Free admission

Contact & Further Information

Website: https://cpw.org
Press inquiries: press@cpw.org