A LIVE ART DUEL
NOV. 5. 2026
Pomerantz Art and Design Center
A richer bridge between you as FIT students
and the art world you’re about to enter.
OUR MISSION
what’s new?
Accessible pricing
a lower entry price opens the room to more students to maximize reach and momentum
A new mentor-driven format
video-first storytelling that centers the student talent in the room and showcases FIT’s authority in the industry
A tighter, sharper evening
a 2.5-hour run of show, down from the longer events of years past.
a NEW HOME
Pomerantz Art and Design Center
a gallery-forward space designed to let the student work command the room.
THE FORMAT
AT A GLANCE
8
Student artists
8
Mentors — art world figures,
including FIT alumni
3
Judges
A video-driven, narrative-led evening built around the student work — short film introductions from each mentor anchor the flow and bring FIT’s industry authority into the room.
mentor Program
Eight art world figures, including FIT alumni, stepping in as mentors — each introducing a section of the evening through short video.
A conversation about your work. One hour with your mentor before the event, talking through your portfolio and where you’re headed.
An introduction on screen. Your mentor introduces you to the room the night of the event.
A real industry contact. Someone established in the field you’re about to enter, in your corner.
Alumni who’ve been here. Several mentors came through FIT themselves and know exactly what this stage feels like.
Cash prizes for all eight finalists. Every competitor is awarded, with additional prizes for first, second and third place.
our mentors
CHE MORALES
ABSTRKT
COLM DILLANE
KidSuper
GOSHA LEVOCHKIN
Artist
MELISSA joseph
Artist
GARRET KLEIN
Massey Klein Gallery
Rebecca Polanzke
Gagosian
Talia Levitt
Artist
Royal Jarmon
Artist
DATES AND SUBMISSION
Key Dates
Student Information Session - September 17th, 2026
Submissions Due - October 5th, 2026
Student submit 4-6 pieces of art work digitally (JPEG, 2MB max)
250-300 word biography and personal statement
Finalists Announced - October 12th, 2026
Student Headshots - Date TBC
Social Media Posts w/ Finalists - October 13th - November 1st, 2026
The Brush Off Event Night - November 5th, 2026
JUDGING CRITERIA
Creative, Originality, and Response to Given Theme
5 POINTS
Effective & Surprising
Use of Materials
5 POINTS
Formal Strengths of
the Work
5 POINTS
Personal Expression
& Impact of Work
5 POINTS
Relevance to the Contestant's Contemporary Field
5 POINTS
PRIZES & OPPORTUNITIES
Cash Prizes
$5,000
$2,500
1st Place
2nd Place
$1,500
$750
3rd Place
4th - 8th Place
Winner attends the Annual Gala 2027
Student artwork auctioned from the event
Mentorship from industry leaders
Visibility across a fashion, media, and artist filled audience
❋
QUESTIONS?
OPEN FLOOR