Queens Museum launches the 2027–28 QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for emerging visual artists in New York City.
23 June 2026
Open Call:
The Queens Museum invites applications for the 2027–28 QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Emerging Artists. The programme will support two visual artists through a one-year fellowship that combines financial support, professional development, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop a solo exhibition at the Queens Museum in 2028. Each selected fellow will receive a $20,000 award and work closely with museum staff and an established New York-based artist mentor.
Institutional Context:
The Queens Museum is a leading cultural institution in New York City, committed to supporting artists and engaging diverse communities through contemporary art. Now in its eighth cycle, the QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship has become a significant platform for early-career artists, providing institutional support at a pivotal stage in their professional development. The fellowship is supported by the Jerome Foundation and culminates in solo project exhibitions at the Queens Museum.
Eligibility and Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be visual artists residing in one of New York City’s five boroughs.
- Have lived in New York City for at least one year prior to the start of the fellowship and remain in the city throughout the fellowship period
- Be at the beginning of their public career with limited exhibition exposure.
- Have between two and ten years of artistic practice outside of degree-granting study programmes
- Not currently enrolled in a degree-granting programme
- I have not had a solo museum exhibition.
- Has not presented a solo exhibition at an established commercial gallery in the United States.
- Not having received major grants or fellowship awards.
- Apply either as an individual artist or as part of a collective of no more than two members.
The programme defines an emerging artist as someone who has developed a practice and public profile but has not yet received significant institutional recognition. Career interruptions, such as caregiving or medical leave, are not counted in the two- to ten-year eligibility period.
Evaluation Process:
Applications will be reviewed by a jury composed of two guest jurors and members of the Queens Museum curatorial staff. The selection process considers the applicant’s artistic practice, career stage, and the potential of the proposed project within the fellowship framework.
Practical Information
- Fellowship period: 2027–2028
- Number of fellows selected: 2
- Award: $20,000 per artist
- Additional support:
- Professional development consultations
- Mentorship from Queens Museum staff
- Mentorship from an established New York-based artist
- Curatorial support throughout the fellowship
- Solo exhibition at the Queens Museum in 2028
- Application deadline: 28 September 2026, 11:59 PM EST
The fellowship is designed to provide artists with the time, resources, and institutional support necessary to realise an ambitious new project for public presentation.
Applications and Queries:
Applications must be submitted through the Queens Museum’s online application portal by 28 September 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the museum’s information sessions to learn more about the fellowship, eligibility requirements, and application process. Attendance is optional but recommended.
For more information, please refer to the website.
