Thank you for your interest in applying to the Queens Teens Institute For Art & Social Justice (QTI).
About QTI
The goal of 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 the 9-month program commitment and a MetroCard to cover travel expenses.
There are Four Pillars of Focus to guide the Institute:
Art: Cultivating a brave-space where teens can express themselves through visual art, performance art or written word.
Education: Arming future leaders with the knowledge and tools needed 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 to BIPOC and marginalized Queens-based youth.
Purpose
QTI participants will develop skills in the areas of art, social justice and leadership. They will be actively engaged in the Queens Museum and their communities as they explore the intersection of art and social justice. Participants will exchange ideas and maintain relationships with other young artists and activists locally, nationally and internationally and attend trips. 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 2022
- Must demonstrate an interest in developing leadership in the arts and social justice within the context of an art institution
- 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 to the front!
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.
- Accepted participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for the 9-month program commitment and a MetroCard to cover travel expenses.
- Accepted participants will also be eligible for other paid work opportunities at Queens Museum. (ex. workshop assistants, camp counselors, etc)
Schedule
- Application Deadline: September 15th, 2022
- Final Round Interview: September 20th & 21st, 2022
- Acceptance Letters Sent Out: September 23rd, 2022
- Leadership Cohort Program Orientation: Saturday, October 1st (Onsite at Queens Museum)
- Official Program Begins October 19th, 2022 (Virtual)
- Spring Break Trip: April 2023 (TBD)
- End of Program Exhibition & Celebration: June 2023
Program Schedule
- Workshops: 1-2x a month (Hybrid)
- Leadership Seminars: 1x a month (Hybrid)
- Professional Development Training: 1x a month (Hybrid)
- 2 Community Service Projects: (Onsite)
- Social Events: (Parties/Movie Nights/Open Mic Night): December 2022, February 2023, April 2023, June 2023
Location: Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Building, Queens, NY 11368
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.