The Metropolitan Melodies competition is all about capturing the rhythm, energy, and personality of city life.
The theme invites creative takes on city life using any medium—painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, digital art, and more.
Artists at any career stage are welcome to share their perspectives on urban landscapes, street scenes, and cityscapes. For just $35 for three images, you can showcase your talent and potentially earn career-boosting awards.
Selected works will be featured in the AGI Fine Art exhibition, digital exhibition, blog feature, social media exposure, and more.
Summer Special - Promo Code Alert!
Enter now and enjoy 15% off your entry
Valid from July 25 - August 4, 2025
The Hope Switch Art Prize & Benefit Auction is a juried New York art event and charity sale celebrating hope, resilience, and healing from PTSD.
In partnership with the MyWhatIf Foundation, the prize seeks to raise $250,000 for groundbreaking PTSD treatments and scientific research, bringing visibility and support to those whose lives have been impacted by trauma.
For just $45, artists may submit up to five works highlighting PTSD, healing, and transformation for the chance to exhibit in a Chelsea, New York art gallery.
Selected pieces will also appear in live and online auctions, giving artists a platform to share their vision while directly supporting recovery.
About MyWhatIf Foundation
MyWhatIf is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people live more fulfilling lives by understanding and navigating the pivotal forks in their life paths. The organization empowers individuals to put the past to rest by reflecting on choices not taken, gain clarity on their core values and ongoing personal quests, and envision new directions for the future. Through guided exploration and imaginative reflection, people can simulate alternative life paths, seeing and experiencing the possibilities of different decisions. MyWhatIf helps users uncover the meaning in their past, identify what they are still searching for, and explore new directions in ways that inspire growth, hope, and purposeful action.
Why This Matters?
Trauma affects millions, yet recovery resources remain underfunded and inaccessible for many. Through this event, we aim to raise funds that will
Expand cutting-edge PTSD treatments
Support scientific research into trauma recovery
Provide direct aid to survivors in need
By engaging both the art world and the philanthropic community, we’re proving that creativity can spark real healing for those living with PTSD.
If you’d like to help artists share their vision and be part of this journey, contact us at info@nyartcompetitions.
Awards and Benefits for Artists
Exhibition in Chelsea, New York — Finalists will have their work displayed at Agora Gallery, located in one of the world’s most prestigious art districts.
Auction Participation — Selected works will be offered in a live or online benefit auction, providing the opportunity to connect with collectors, philanthropists, and art buyers while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Cause Connection — Be part of a high-profile event supporting PTSD treatment and research.
Networking Opportunities — Meet curators, collectors, sponsors, and fellow artists during the VIP preview and program.
Benefits for Supporters & Collectors
Access to Exclusive Art — Acquire unique works from emerging and established artists
Philanthropic Impact — Proceeds support MyWhatIf Foundation’s PTSD programs and research
VIP Experience — Invitations to the preview at a New York art gallery reception and networking with artists, clinicians, and fellow patrons
Recognition Opportunities — For sponsors, prominent branding across event materials and media coverage
Direct Giving Moments — Participate in the fund-a-need paddle raise to make an immediate difference
Show the world how you see the city!
Application fee: $35 for 3 images
Turn Hope Into Action
Your vision of hope belongs on a New York gallery wall
Application fee: $45 for 5 images
Competition Guidelines
Eligibility
Open to all artists 18 and older, this competition embraces creativity in all its forms — welcoming veterans, survivors, advocates, and anyone whose art speaks to the themes of PTSD, healing, and hope. We celebrate diverse voices and the power of art to transform lives.
Application
Application in the Hope Switch Art Prize competition requires a $45 entry fee, which covers up to 5 images.
Application in the “Metropolitan Melodies” competition requires a $35 29.75 fee, which covers for up to 3 images.
Entry Material and Theme
Required: Each artist may submit up to five (5) artworks inspired by the themes of PTSD, healing, and hope. All entries must be in high-quality digital format (JPEG or PNG).
Additional Entry
Artists can add more images to their entry for $5 per additional image.
Shipment and Customs
Selected artists are responsible for all shipping and customs costs going to and from the gallery, and insurance is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many artworks can be submitted per entry?
Each entry allows an artist to submit up to 5 artworks. If you wish to submit more than three, there is an additional fee of $5 for each extra image.
Can I submit AI-generated artworks?
No, all artworks must be original and created by the submitting artist. AI-generated artworks will be disqualified.
Is there an age limit to participate in the competition?
Yes, all applicants must be 18 years old and above to participate.
Are there any restrictions on the subject matter of the submissions?
Artists are encouraged to explore themes of PTSD, healing, resilience, and hope, but submissions should remain respectful and appropriate for a public exhibition. Artists are free to express their vision in any style or medium that aligns with the competition’s mission.
What if I can’t afford the entry fee?
Artists who need assistance are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] — we’re happy to help. Sponsors who wish to support an artist by covering their entry fee can click here to make a contribution and help bring more creativity into the competition.
If you have any questions, email [email protected].
COMPETITION DATES
COMPETITION OPENS
September 2, 2025
DEADLINE
November 1, 2025
RESULTS
November 15, 2025
EXHIBITION
December 18, 2025
AUCTION DATES
ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
November 15, 2025
LIVE BENEFIT AUCTION
December 18, 2025
COMPETITION DATES
COMEPTITON OPENS
September 2, 2025
DEADLINE
November 1, 2025
RESULTS
November 15, 2025
EXHIBITION
December 18, 2025
AUCTION DATES
ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
November 15, 2025
LIVE BENEFIT AUCTION
December 18, 2025
Testimonials
I am so happy and lucky to get the Metropolitan Melodies prize. This prize gave me confidence, a chance to travel to New York, and an opportunity to show my artwork... Seeing visitors' reactions felt like a dream, proving art crosses any language. This experience inspired me to create new artwork based on New York. Lastly, I really appreciate the Agora staff. Their kind support made this one of the greatest moments of my life!
Shinichiro Wakita, Tokyo, 2024 Metropolitan Melodies Selected Artist
I'm really happy to have received a nomination as one of the participants in the Metropolitan Melodies competition. Being chosen from so many international submissions fills me with pride and reassures me that I'm on the right path with my chosen painting style, focusing on highly detailed photorealism/hyperrealism. I love what I do, and being among the winners of the competition gives me the motivation to keep working on my painting skills. Plus, it boosts my resume.
Ralf Kunstmann, Germany,
2024 Metropolitan Melodies Selected Artist
It was an honor to be selected as one of the artists for the Metropolitan Melodies exhibition. The competition's theme inspired me to explore and celebrate the beauty of the cities I’ve visited and lived in. NY Art Competitions provides an excellent platform for artists worldwide to share their work with a broader audience. I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and art enthusiasts.
Rachel Halili Aquino, Philippines, 2024 Metropolitan Melodies Selected Artist
My experience with Agora gallery and the CIPC has been solid from start to finish. Forthright, proactive, professional, helpful, communication throughout. The exhibition itself was well put together and looked great at every level. Thanks for everything!
Bradly Dever Treadaway, United States, 2021/2022 Selected Artist
Jury Panel
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Partners
The New York Art Competitions is grateful to its partners and sponsors for their support and collaboration.
They include MYWhatIf org, which helps trauma survivors reclaim their stories and envision hopeful futures, Agora Gallery, a contemporary art space in Chelsea, and AGI Fine Art, an artist agency in New York City providing exhibition opportunities at leading international art events
Would you like to support participating artists by covering their application fees?
If so, please contact [email protected]
Show the world how you see the city!
Application fee: $35 for 3 images
Turn Hope Into Action
Your vision of hope belongs on a New York gallery wall.
Application fee: $45 for 5 images
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