Thank you for your interest in applying to the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice (QTI). This opportunity is available for high school juniors and seniors only.
About QTI
The goal of the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice (QTI) is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of leaders in the arts and social change. Through a series of art-making workshops, leadership seminars, community service projects, and professional development training over the academic year, participants will gain experience as artists and leaders and access to networks, institutions, and mentors that will support their growth and practice.
Accepted participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for their 9-month commitment to the program, along with extra funds to cover travel expenses. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to apply for other paid work opportunities at the Queens Museum, such as roles as workshop assistants, camp counselors, and more.
QTI generally meets at the Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Building, Queens, NY 11368, with the possibility of certain workshops and seminars taking place offsite.
QTI’s Four Pillars of Focus:
- Art: Cultivating a brave space where teens can express themselves through visual art, music, performance art, or written word.
- Education: Providing future leaders with the knowledge and tools to be the social justice warriors of tomorrow.
- Leadership: Empowering teens to be the change that they seek.
- Service: Inspiring teens to give back to their local communities.
Mission
Our mission is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of Queens-based leaders in the arts and social change. We will elevate access to art education programs with a leadership and professional development focus for BIPOC and marginalized Queens-based youth.
Purpose
QTI participants will develop skills in the areas of art, design, social justice, and leadership. They will be actively engaged in the Queens Museum, their communities, and beyond as they explore the intersection of the arts, in the broadest sense of the word, and social justice. Participants will exchange ideas and maintain relationships with other young artists, designers, and activists locally, nationally, and internationally and attend trips to connect with other youth programs in the NYC area. QTI’s program will culminate in a public exhibition at the Queens Museum.
Educational Benefits
QTI participants will develop skills and professional insight into all aspects of operating an art museum. They will build experience as leaders and engage in service-learning projects focused on art and social justice. They will gain an understanding of how art and social justice intersect and develop their practice in both areas.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Commitment to a full 9-month program of weekly hybrid (in-person and virtual) participation, excluding breaks and holidays. No more than 4 absences for the year will be permitted, except in extenuating circumstances.
- Proactive contribution to the development and planning of QTI activities and events.
- Focused participation in the promotion, outreach, and presentation of the QTI.
- Effective collaboration with the programming team.
Relevant Education/Experience/Skills:
- Must be Queens-affiliated Juniors or Seniors in September 2026.
- Must demonstrate an interest in developing leadership in the arts, fashion, music, design, or social justice (or a combination of the aforementioned).
- Must be highly responsible, motivated, and prepared to participate and complete dedicated work in collaboration with staff and QTI participants.
- BIPOC and teens from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
All applicants must submit a completed application form, including a link to a personal statement, a reference, and optional supplemental materials. Only submissions that adhere to all guidelines will be considered. Potential candidates will be asked to participate in a group interview on Zoom. Candidates must be able to attend in-person workshops and events.
Schedule:
- Application Deadline: October 25, 2026
- Final Round Interviews: Early November (virtual)
- Acceptance Letters Sent Out: Mid November
- Leadership Cohort Program Orientation: November 21, 2026 (in person at Queens Museum)
- Official Program Begins: December
- End of Program Exhibition & Celebration: June 2027
- End of Year Trip: June 2027
Program Schedule:
- Workshops: 1-3x a month.
-Wednesdays we meet virtually, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
-Saturdays are in-person at the Queens Museum, 12:00pm-3:00 pm (snacks are provided)
- Leadership Seminars: 1x a month (Virtual)
- Professional Development Training: 1x a month ( Virtual)
- Social Events: (Parties/Movie Nights/Open Mic Night)
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
For any questions regarding the program or application, please email Erica-Ashley Gittens, Youth & Public Programs Manger: egittens@queensmuseum.org
About the Fellowship:
The QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship Program for Emerging Artists in New York City will award two visual artists fellowships as well as solo exhibitions at the Queens Museum in 2028. Two visual artists will receive $20,000 each, professional development consultations, and close mentorship from QM staff members working toward an artist’s project. The duration of each Fellowship is one year, 2027–2028. For a full description of the fellowship, please go to: https://queensmuseum.org/program/open-call-2027-28-qm-jerome-foundation-fellowship-for-emerging-artists/
A jury will review applications and make the selection. The jury will be made up of two guest jurors and Queens Museum’s curatorial staff.
Eligibility:
This program defines an emerging artist as one who is in the beginning of their public career, has had limited exhibition exposure, and has not received major grants or fellowship awards. You are an early career artist who is not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program; you have not yet had a solo exhibition at a museum; you also have not presented a solo show at established commercial galleries in the US or in New York in particular; you are not a tenured faculty member at a university or college; you have between 2 and 10 years of total experience as a generative artist outside of your studies, not inclusive of a time spent obtaining an optional post-graduate degree. Please note that the program does NOT consider demonstrable breaks such as caregiving, medical leave, etc. as part of the period defining 2-10 years of eligible practice.
Applicants must not have received major grants targeting mid-career and established artists. Examples include: Hodder Fellowship, Lee Krasner Award, MacArthur Fellowship, Foundation for Contemporary Arts (FCA) Ellsworth Kelly Award, Herb Alpert Award, or any other significant award defined as for mid-career or established artists.
Applicants should reside in New York City—any of the five boroughs—and should have resided in the City for at least one (1) year prior to the beginning of the Fellowship in January 2027. They should reside in NYC until the end of the Fellowship period.
Questions/concerns about how your unique situation may align with these eligibility requirements? Please email us at exhibitions@queensmuseum.org and we will be happy to provide clarity.
Application deadline: 09.28.2026 11:59PM EST