Queens Arts Fund application opens doors for underfunded artists

Queens Council on the Arts grant recipient Chemin Hsiao paints a mural as part of the ArtSite piece, "My Journey to the West III: Playground.” Photo via QCA

By Rachel Vick

Queens is stepping up to support its local creators through the Queens Council on the Arts’ Queens Arts Fund.

The QAF’s 2020 grant application period opened earlier this week, with grants available to organizations and individual artists serving the greater Queens community.

The grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are awarded to individual artists and organizations whose projects increase access to programming while highlighting community culture. 

Past Community Arts grant recipients include the Jamaica Arts Council’s ‘Art to the People’ photo display on LinkNYC kiosks; a series of sculpture sessions with RPGA Studios inspired by immigration and community conflict; and the American Bolero Dance Company’s concert series showcasing traditional Spanish music and dances.

Individual artist grants are available for creators across disciplines, including performance-based art like theater, literature, media arts, visual art and community. Individual artists or collectives that have a permanent studio or live in Queens qualify for the $3,000 New Works grant.

Grant funds must be used within specific guidelines in order to preserve the direction of the project. Full lists of limitations and exceptions are available on each grant application page.

QAF will hold several information sessions to walk applicants through the process and questions.

The deadline to apply is October 29. Grant guidelines are also available in Spanish and Mandarin. Applications can be completed online at queenscouncilarts.org/qaf