ART BLOC: Through the Glass — A Survey of Youth Arts & Culture in WNY
The Youth Arts & Advocacy Council (YAAC), a coalition of young makers in Western New York, is proud to present ART BLOC: Through the Glass. This project is a regional survey designed to showcase the voices, perspectives, and creativity of youth artists across disciplines.
The title reflects both the power of collective identity (“bloc” as in a voting bloc) and the layered experience of youth creativity (“through the glass” as both a lens and a barrier). The project aims to highlight how young people see and shape the world while also confronting the challenges and barriers they face.
Open to artists ages 13–18, ART BLOC will culminate in a publication, both print and digital, that amplifies selected works across visual, performing, and digital arts, alongside a public launch event. The project is generously supported by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation.
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Application is open through October 12th, 2025
ART BLOC: FAQ
Young artists and creatives are shaping the future of culture in Western New York, and the Youth Arts & Advocacy Council (YAAC) wants to celebrate that. This FAQ is here to answer your questions about submitting your work, what the project looks like, and how your creativity can be part of something bigger.
About the Youth Arts & Advocacy Council (YAAC)
The Youth Arts & Advocacy Council (YAAC) is a coalition of youth makers in the Western New York area who come together to produce impactful conversations and events around the idea of bringing meaning and legitimacy to the passion and creativity of young artists and creatives. This iteration of YAAC is generously supported by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation.
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What is the purpose of this project?
This project is a survey of youth-created arts and culture in the Western New York region. It is designed to provide a platform for young people to see and be seen as a legitimate part of the cultural landscape.
Who can submit work?
The call is open to youth ages 13–18 (8th grade through college freshman) who live in the greater Western New York area.
What types of work can be submitted?
There are three categories of disciplines:
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Visual Arts: Painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and other traditional forms.
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Media Arts: Photography, graphic design, digital arts, audio, music, film, and animation.
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Literary Arts: Poetry, creative writing, and short stories.
How many works can I submit?
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Visual or non-time-based works: 3–5 pieces.
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Media/time-based works (film, animation, music, etc.): Up to 2 submissions; our panel will only review a total of 3 minutes. If there is a particular section you think is most impactful please note the time to start watching it in the application.
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Literary works: Up to 3 double-spaced typed pages.
How do I submit my work?
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Upload 3–5 files of visual works directly.
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Provide links for media/time-based works (please make sure links are not password protected).
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Include a brief artist statement. A template will be provided to help make this accessible.
How will the work be judged?
All submissions will be reviewed by the Youth Arts & Advocacy Council, a group of peer youth creators. Works will be judged on:
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Originality: Uniqueness and how the work pushes the medium.
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Technique: Use of materials and application of process.
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Expression: Ability of the work to communicate a feeling or concept.
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Impact: The lasting effect of the work on the viewer.
What is the timeline?
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Call for submissions: September 5 – October 12
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Decisions communicated: By the end of October
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Project culmination: Selected works will be showcased in both a print and electronic publication, with a launch event celebrating the publication.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please reach out to Kevin Kline at BCAT: kckline@bufcat.org
The project is generously supported by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation.