The NY Resilience Award: Healing Through Art is a juried art exhibition and charity sale in the heart of New York, celebrating hope, resilience, and recovery from trauma.
In partnership with the MyWhatIf Foundation, the event aims to raise $250,000 to fund breakthrough PTSD recovery and scientific research — bringing healing to those whose lives have been shaped by trauma.
Half the proceeds will be a charitable donation to the foundation, and half will go directly to the artists. Artists are responsible for shipment of works; insurance is encouraged.
Selected works will directly support MyWhatIf's trauma recovery platform, giving artists a powerful voice and mission: each $100 raised funds one full recovery journey through MyWhatIf's narrative treatment for someone in need.
About MyWhatIf Foundation
MyWhatIf is a non-profit organization that helps people live more fulfilling lives by understanding the pivotal forks in their life paths — reflecting on choices not taken, clarifying core values, and envisioning new directions for the future.
Through guided exploration and imaginative reflection, MyWhatIf lets people simulate alternative life paths and experience the possibilities of different decisions. It helps users uncover meaning in their past, identify what they're still searching for, and explore new directions that inspire growth, hope, and purposeful action.
For trauma survivors specifically, this means a structured, compassionate way to reframe painful experiences — and to imagine a future shaped by healing rather than harm.
Why This Matters?
Trauma affects millions, yet recovery resources remain underfunded and inaccessible for many. Through this event, we aim to raise funds that will
- Raise awareness on PTSD and healing
- Support scientific research into trauma recovery
- Provide direct aid to survivors in need
By engaging both the art world and the philanthropic community, we're proving that creativity can spark real healing for those living with trauma.
If you'd like to help artists share their vision and be part of this journey, contact us at info@nyartcompetitions.com.
The NY Resilience Award: Healing Through Art results are out!
Thank you to all the artists who participated and shared their inspiring works.
Click here to view the resultsSee the Exhibition & Benefit Auction →Get Involved Today
Curious about the ticket to the event or becoming a sponsor?
Check it out: https://mywhatif.org/resilience-award/
Awards and Benefits for Artists
Exhibition in Chelsea, New York — Finalists will have their work displayed at Agora Gallery, located in one of the world's most prestigious art districts. Shipping and related arrangements are the responsibility of the artist, with insurance advised.
Auction Participation — Selected works will be offered in a live or online benefit auction, providing the opportunity to connect with collectors, philanthropists, and art buyers while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Cause Connection — Be part of a high-profile event supporting trauma treatment and research.
Networking Opportunities — Meet curators, collectors, sponsors, and fellow artists during the VIP preview and program.
Benefits for Supporters & Collectors
Access to Exclusive Art — Acquire unique works from emerging and established artists.
Philanthropic Impact — Proceeds support MyWhatIf Foundation's Trauma Recovery programs and research.
VIP Experience — Invitations to the preview at a New York art gallery reception and networking with artists, clinicians, and fellow patrons.
Recognition Opportunities — For sponsors, prominent branding across event materials and media coverage.
Direct Giving Moments — Participate in the fund-a-need paddle raise to make an immediate difference.
The NY Resilience Award: Healing Through Art results are out!
Thank you to all the artists who participated and shared their inspiring works.
Click here to view the resultsGet Involved Today
Curious about the ticket to the event or becoming a sponsor?
Check it out: https://mywhatif.org/resilience-award/
Competition Guidelines
⚫ Eligibility
Open to all artists 18 and older, this competition embraces creativity in all its forms — welcoming veterans, survivors, advocates, and anyone whose art speaks to the themes of PTSD, trauma recovery, healing, and hope.
⚫ Application
Application required a $45 entry fee, which covered up to five images.
⚫ Entry Material and Theme
Each artist could submit up to five (5) artworks inspired by the themes of PTSD, trauma recovery, healing, and hope. All entries were required in high-quality digital format (JPEG or PNG).
⚫ Additional Entry
Artists could add more images for $5 per additional image.
⚫ Shipment and Customs
Selected artists are responsible for all shipping and customs costs. Insurance is strongly recommended.
Questions? info@nyartcompetitions.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How many artworks can be submitted per entry?
Each entry allows up to 5 artworks. Additional images are $5 each.
Can I submit AI-generated artworks?
No. All artworks must be original and created by the submitting artist. AI-generated works will be disqualified.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, all applicants must be 18 years or older.
Are there restrictions on subject matter?
Artists are encouraged to explore themes of PTSD, healing, resilience, and hope. Submissions should remain respectful and appropriate for public exhibition.
What if I can't afford the entry fee?
Contact us at info@nyartcompetitions.com — we're happy to help. Sponsors may also cover an artist's entry fee.
Jurors
Lisa M. Berman
Museum Curator, and Director of WAM – The Wearable Art Museum
Lisa M. Berman is an international art advocate, wearable art expert, and museum curator with over 25 years of experience spanning jewelry, fashion, design, photography, and public art. Known as the "Visionary Proprietor" of Sculpture To Wear since 1999, Berman has played a pivotal role in advancing the studio jewelry movement in the U.S.
As Founder of the Berman Arts Agency, she has guided artists into major museum collections including the Getty, LACMA, Smithsonian, and MoMA, while fostering cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and acquisitions worldwide. She has served on boards at OTIS, LACMA, and FIDM, and has been recognized by the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture as a pre-qualified consultant for large-scale public art.
In 2023, Berman relocated to New York City to launch WAM – The Wearable Art Museum, and was appointed Partner to the United Nations Sustainable Fashion & Lifestyle Network.
Vita Eruhimovitz
Los Angeles-based artist, curator and art writer
Vita Eruhimovitz is a Los Angeles-based artist, and occasional curator and art writer. Through her work, she navigates the tri-lingual mind and non-conceptual states of being. Vita's background in science and technology inspire and inform her interest in the intersection of biological life and consciousness.
Vita holds a BFA from Shenkar College and an MFA from Washington University in Saint Louis. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, including at the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum in Saint Louis, Museum of Design Holon in Israel, Brattleboro Museum in Vermont, and at the San Diego Art Institute Museum.
Partners
The New York Art Competitions is grateful to its partners and sponsors for their support and collaboration.
They include MYWhatIf org, which helps trauma survivors reclaim their stories and envision hopeful futures, Agora Gallery, a contemporary art space in Chelsea, and AGI Fine Art, an artist agency in New York City providing exhibition opportunities at leading international art events.
