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 2027. 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, 2026–2027. For a full description of the fellowship, please go to: https://queensmuseum.org/program/open-call-qm-jerome-foundation-fellowship-for-emerging-artists-2026-2027/

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:

The Queens Museum defines an emerging artist as one who has had limited exhibition exposure, with no more than a few grants or fellowship awards. You are at the beginning of your public career and have completed your studies, but have not had solo exhibitions at established commercial galleries, museums, or major public institutions; OR you are well beyond your studies, and may have participated in group exhibitions but have not received extensive press or market recognition; AND/OR you have exhibited work in other countries on a limited basis, but have not had major exhibition opportunities in the US or in New York in particular. Applicants must not have not received major grants comparable to the amount granted by this fellowship ($20,000). Applicants should reside in New York City—from any of the five boroughs—and have resided in the City for at least one (1) year prior to the application deadline. They should reside in NYC until the end of the Fellowship period in 2027.

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.

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice (QTI).

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. Each year, QTI explores a unique theme, and for the 2025-2026 program, participants will explore how creative practices and grassroots organizing can transform public spaces into platforms for dialogue, resistance, and collective imagination. While also delving into the work of creative practitioners operating at the intersection of art, fashion, music and design. This year’s collaborations include partnerships with fashion brand Awake NY and electronic music company Marshall, offering participants hands-on opportunities to engage with innovative practices and leaders in these fields.

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 a MetroCard 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 2025.

- 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 15th, 2025

- Final Round Interviews: Week of October 21st (virtual)

- Acceptance Letters Sent Out: October 24th & 25th, 2025

- Leadership Cohort Program Orientation: November 1, 2025 (in person at Queens Museum)

- Official Program Begins: November 16th, 2025 (in person at Queens Museum)

- Spring Break Trip: April/May 2026 (TBD)

- End of Program Exhibition & Celebration: June 14th, 2026  

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, 12:00-2:00 PM (snacks are provided)

- Leadership Seminars: 1x a month (Hybrid)

- Professional Development Training: 1x a month (Hybrid)

- Social Events: (Parties/Movie Nights/Open Mic Night) December 2025, March 2026, June 2026

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

For any questions regarding the program or application, please email Kianna Franklin, Education Programs Coordinator: kfranklin@queensmuseum.org