Westbeth Artists Housing was founded in 1970 in New York City to provide affordable housing for artists and their families. Its mission is to be a resource and generator of artistic endeavor for artists working in the fields of literary, visual, and performing arts.
Within the complex are spaces devoted to the creation and preservation of art by residents and guest artists, and by the arts organizations that call Westbeth home.
Events, exhibitions, and workshops sponsored by Westbeth, often in partnership with cultural or community organizations, are offered at the Westbeth Gallery and the Westbeth Community Room and other venues at low cost or free to the public.
The Westbeth Writing Award was established in 2016 in memory of Miriam Chaikin, a longtime Westbeth resident, former Westbeth Artists Residents Council Literary Arts Chair, and prolific writer. For Miriam, the written word and the book were essential to her life and well-being. It is in her memory that we seek to honor members of the writing community.
was established in 2016 in memory of Miriam Chaikin, a longtime Westbeth resident, former Westbeth Artists Residents Council Literary Arts Chair, and prolific writer. For Miriam, the written word and the book were essential to her life and well-being. It is in her memory that we seek to honor a member of the writing community.
Submissions are blind reviewed. Each writer may submit only one entry, in either the prose or poetry category. Award winners will receive $500 from the Miriam Chaikin Endowment Fund. The winning selections will be performed at a public event at Westbeth by actors who are part of the Westbeth community. Winners will be invited to attend the public reading of their work, and will have the opportunity to publish their work on the Westbeth website.
To submit your entry, please click on the create an account link below and this will instruct you how to include your biographical information. Once your account is created, you will receive an email confirmation that will instruct you how to upload your submission. Submissions must follow the formatting guidelines and must be received by APRIL 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
To review submissions, please create an account below, once created you will be notified via email and can begin reviewing.
To submit your work, please create an account below. Once created you will be notified via email and will be able to submit your work.
For additional information about this competition, please email Miriam Chaiken.