CREATIVE TIME 2026 SANDCASTLE COMPETITION
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | 1–4 PM
ROCKAWAY BEACH
SANDCASTLES ARE BACK
On Sunday, September 13, from 1-4 pm, Creative Time’s Sandcastle Competition returned to Rockaway Beach! For one day, artists took to New York City’s shoreline for camaraderie, competition, and public art.
First launched in 2012 and again in 2013, Creative Time’s Sandcastle Competition returns to one of the city’s most cherished public places. Artists, neighbors, and beachgoers were invited to gather as the works took shape throughout the day, culminating in the crowning of this year’s winning artist by a panel of guest judges.
ARTISTS & JUDGES
ARTISTS
Anthony Akinbola | Canal St. Research Association | Marianna Simnett and Eliza Douglas | Chiffon Thomas and Victoria Martinez | Dean Millien | Rachel Rossin | Gabriela Ruiz
JUDGES
Waris Ahluwalia | Jodi Davis | Michi Jigarjian | Anne Pasternak | Pedro Reyes | Julio Torres
AFTER THE TIDE
SANDCASTLES BENEFIT BASH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | 5-7 PM
THE ROCKAWAY HOTEL
We kept the sandcastle celebration rolling at Creative Time’s end-of-summer fundraiser and after party hosted by Michi Jigarjian and The Rockaway Hotel. Guests joined us for drinks, DJ Maya Margarita, and a few surprises—all in support of ambitious, artist-led public art.
We raised a glass alongside artists Anthony Akinbola, Canal Street Research Association, Marianna Simnett & Eliza Douglas, Chiffon Thomas & Victoria Martinez, Dean Millien, Rachel Rossin, Gabriela Ruiz, and Sandcastles judges Waris Ahluwalia, Jodi Davis, Michi Jigarjian, Anne Pasternak, Pedro Reyes, and Julio Torres.
Creative Time is a 501(c)(3) organization and qualifies as tax-exempt. Contributions in excess of $50 are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
FUNDERS
Image: Creative Time Sandcastle Competition, 2012. Team: Lauren Wass and Amit Greenberg. Photo by Derek Schultz.