SaveArtSpace is proud to present Black Whimsy, a public art exhibition on billboard ad space in New York, NY, opening October 16, 2026, curated by Adesewa Adekoya.

What happens when Black imagination has no limits? Black Whimsy explores the ethereal, fantastical, and otherworldly possibilities of Black life, imagination and creativity across the diaspora. This open call invites artists to imagine the many worlds, surreal and dreamlike, in which Black people can exist. It encourages artists to uncover their deepest creative desires and to escape reality for the time being.

We invite artists of all ages and talents to submit their artwork between August 12 and September 7, 2026 in order to be considered for the exhibition. This is an opportunity to have your work placed on billboard ad space in New York, NY.

The application fee is $35 for 1-3 images; each additional image carries a $10 fee. Fees support the production of the exhibition, including the purchase of billboard ad space. All fees paid to SaveArtSpace are 100% tax deductible donations.

Selected artists will be announced after September 21, 2026. Public art will be on view starting October 16, 2026 in New York, NY, and will be on view for at least one month.

Curator

Adesewa Adekoya is a New York–based digital illustrator who explores Black whimsy in their work through portraiture. Their work imagines soft, expressive worlds where Black life is rooted in ethereality, surrealism and playfulness. Their work is greatly influenced by black beauty and the black artists that have come before them, they wish to inspire other black creatives that come after them. Adesewa graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology where they received their BFA in illustration. They have gone on to work with clients such as Netflix, Hulu, and Columbia Records.

Connect with Adesewa at @blk.indigo.

SaveArtSpace

Founded in 2015, SaveArtSpace is a non-profit organization that works to create an urban gallery experience, launching exhibitions that address intersectional themes and foster a message of social change that benefits the working class. By placing culture over commercialism, SaveArtSpace aims to empower artists from all walks of life and inspire a new generation of young creatives and activists.