Description:

This artist-centric organization champions queer art and culture, fostering a dynamic environment for creative exchange. Committed to principles of equity, inclusion, and visibility, this collective empowers adventurous emerging artists, particularly focusing on underrepresented and multicultural creators and teaching artists throughout New York City's five boroughs. The "NEXT!" Mentorship initiative provides tailored support in knowledge dissemination and public showcasing. This encompasses comprehensive guidance in areas such as production management, creative design, grant proposal development, and meticulous project budgeting. Over a 20-month period, the program cultivates the growth of eight New York City-based artists through a series of engaging exchanges, regular monthly meetings, insightful discussions, practical workshops, and public presentations. Each selected artist will be compensated $3,000 for presenting their original artistic creations within either the biannual "CROSSROADS" series or the annual "Out-FRONT!" Festival. Additionally, their work will be professionally documented with video and photography, ideal for enhancing their portfolios. The program also facilitates invaluable networking opportunities, connecting participants with peers, industry experts, potential funders, and community stakeholders via the collective's specially curated events. We are actively seeking emerging interdisciplinary artists who possess a minimum of three years of professional experience, particularly those specializing in dance and movement-based practices, performance art, storytelling, and video art. This unique program is ideally suited for artists prepared to engage with comprehensive artistic, administrative, and financial backing. Key Dates:
Application Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
Program Timeline: September 2026 – May 2028 (Exact workshop and event dates TBD)