What is Upstate Art Weekend (UAW)? Upstate Art Weekend (UAW) is an artist-forward, region-rooted arts platform supporting artists, organizations, and creative communities throughout the Hudson Valley and Catskills. UAW includes its flagship annual event and a growing set of initiatives designed to deepen access, connection, and exchange around contemporary art and place.
Is UAW a festival or an organization? UAW is both. Upstate Art Weekend began as an annual festival and has grown into a broader platform that produces multiple initiatives—including Open Studios by UAW and Field Trips by UAW—while continuing to present its flagship annual event.
When does Upstate Art Weekend (UAW) take place? Upstate Art Weekend’s flagship annual event will run from Thursday, June 25 through Monday, June 29, 2026.
What is Open Studios by UAW? Open Studios by UAW is an intimate, yet region-wide initiative where artists across the Hudson Valley and Catskills open their studios to the public. The program strengthens visibility, access, and connection to art, people, and place through direct engagement with artists in their working spaces.
When does Open Studios by UAW take place? In 2026, Open Studios by UAW will take place over the weekend of May 16–17.
What are Field Trips by UAW? Field Trips by UAW are curated, place-based journeys to cities and regions beyond UAW’s home region. These trips spotlight creative communities that share UAW’s artist-forward, region-rooted values and are grounded in exchange, care, and long-term relationship-building.
Who participates in UAW? UAW is made up of artists, arts organizations, institutions, independent spaces, and the people who run them. Together, they form a regional creative ecosystem that UAW seeks to support, connect, and amplify.
Is UAW only for the Hudson Valley and Catskills? UAW is rooted in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, which remain its primary focus. Through initiatives like Field Trips by UAW, the platform also engages with aligned creative communities beyond the region in ways that are intentional, reciprocal, and values-driven.
How are artists and organizations selected? The UAW application ensures that all requirements are met for hosting the high-quality exhibitions and events that the annual festival is known for. This process provides a framework to confirm that proposed locations fall within the outlined parameters and can welcome visitors safely and smoothly. In contrast, there is no application process for Open Studios by UAW. Any artist, designer, or maker within the regional boundaries is welcome to register to open their studio to the public.
Is UAW open to the public? Yes. Many UAW programs—including the flagship annual event and Open Studios by UAW—are free and open to the public, encouraging broad access to art and cultural spaces across the region.
How can artists or organizations get involved? Opportunities to participate are announced through UAW’s website, newsletter, and social channels. Artists and organizations are encouraged to follow UAW and sign up for updates to stay informed about open calls and future initiatives.
Does UAW operate year-round? Yes. While the flagship event takes place annually in the summer, UAW operates year-round through planning, partnerships, and initiatives that support artists and creative communities beyond a single weekend.
UAW’s headquarters (upbringing) is based in Kingston and will host a curated group show of Open Studios by UAW artists.
What does “artist-forward” mean? Artist-forward means UAW centers artists’ voices and practices in everything it does—from how programs are designed and publicized to how the public engages with the work and how artists are connected to their communities and beyond.
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.
Who can I contact if I have any other questions or feedback? Please email hello@upstateartweekend.org. 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.
Where can I learn more? Follow @upstateartweekend for updates, announcements, and opportunities to engage.
