The 40th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition (CIFAC), organized by New York Art Competitions (NYAC), invited visual artists from around the world to submit their work for a chance to exhibit in the heart of New York City. Works including photography, painting and sculpture were selected by an expert panel of jurors who have extensive curatorial experience. The exhibition will take place at Agora Gallery from August 1 to August 15, 2026.
The image “Drifting in and Out” by Jon Wollenhaupt was selected for inclusion in the 40th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition.
Jurors:
Naomi Lev is a curator, cultural program director, and arts writer with more than 15 years of experience overseeing exhibitions, creating programs and events. She has served as a visiting critic/curator/juror for numerous institutions, including Hunter College, Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College, Residency Unlimited, Parsons, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Bronx Council on the Arts, among others.
Katherine C. M. Adams is a curator and writer working with artists across moving image, performance, and the visual arts to realize projects spanning commissions, exhibitions, and event-based programs. She holds a MA from the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College, and a BA in philosophy from Yale University.
Audra Verona Lambert is a curator, arts contributor and art historian with over a decade of experience. She’s organized 60+ exhibitions in partnership with multicultural nonprofits, such as WCAPS, Upwardly Global and Fountain House Gallery, Art in Odd Places Festival, FIGMENT NYC and others. She holds an MA, Art History and Visual Culture from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO.
About Agora Gallery
Founded in 1984, Agora Gallery’s original mission was to create a space for emerging artists working in similar mediums and methodologies to come together to present their work. Today, the gallery’s focus is threefold:
- Curating group exhibitions of established contemporary artists.
- Creating a supportive community for artists, encouraging creative and professional advancement.
- Connecting collectors to a compelling range of artwork, projects and special exhibitions.
Agora gallery has developed a well-deserved reputation for regularly showcasing a broad and unique array of talented artists from across the globe and from the local New York area. The gallery invites collectors to view exhibitions both in-person in the gallery, as well as on ARTmine, its online gallery.
Agora Gallery is located at 530 West 25th in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, which for more than 100 years has been New York City’s most renowned and vibrant arts district.