What is UPSTATE ART WEEKEND (UPAW)? UPAW was founded in 2020 as a connective annual event designed for residents and tourists alike to celebrate the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York. UPAW was designed to connect creative organizations and the people who form them, in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
UPAW started with 23 participants, expanding to over 145 in 2024. The annual event encourages local organizations and businesses to welcome art lovers from near and far to explore and soak up the artistic talent and natural beauty of the region.
Who founded UPSTATE ART WEEKEND? UPAW was founded by arts organizer Helen Toomer, (Co-Founder of STONELEAF RETREAT and Co-Founder of Art Mamas Alliance), as a reaction to being separated from art and people during the pandemic.
When and where does UPSTATE ART WEEKEND take place? UPAW is an annual event, the sixth edition takes place from July 17-21, 2025.
All participants are based within the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions in New York, within Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.
Do I need to buy tickets? A majority of participating venues are free and open to the public. Ticketing and registration details vary by participating location.
How can I be a part of UPSTATE ART WEEKEND? UPAW participants have included art organizations, galleries, museums, artist residencies, studios and creative projects. Please join our mailing list (here) and follow us @upstateartweekend to learn more.
Are there any fees associated with participating in UPSTATE ART WEEKEND? Yes, there are application and participation fees. Costs are subject to change from year to year and all funds go towards the administration, organization and promotion of UPAW. We do offer financial assistance.
Why is there an application process? The application process ensures that all the requirements are met by the participants to host excellent exhibitions and events that Upstate Art Weekend is known for. This process also provides the framework to ensure the proposed locations are within the outlined parameters and can welcome visitors safely and smoothly.
How are local artists from and working in the region included and supported? All participating venues are local to the region. Participating venues must be located in one of 10 New York counties: Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. This list was expanded from 8 to 10 counties in 2023 to include even more local organizations.
We make a concerted effort to include as many participants as possible who are supporting and promoting local artists.
Does UPSTATE ART WEEKEND have a Land Acknowledgement? There is a land acknowledgement on our About page here.
This land acknowledgement is only a starting point and will be updated as we continue to grow and learn about the Native stewards of this land.
UPSTATE ART WEEKEND is an evolving annual event and after each edition, we take time to evaluate and reflect on how to move forward. One of our strategies for improvement is a public visitor feedback form, which we share and review every year.
