RFP Release Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Submission Deadline: Friday, May 16, 2025
Curators Notified by: Friday, June 6, 2025
Description
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) invites six emerging and midcareer visual arts curators to apply for the second cycle of Visual Voices, a three-year fellowship (2025-2027). While all New York City-based curators may apply, priority will be given to Queens-based BIIPOC curators.
Beginning in mid-2025, the fellows of the second cycle will receive comprehensive institutional support to curate at least 12 exhibitions at JCAL and partner sites through 2027. Exhibitions can feature a wide range of artistic practices and explore themes reflective of the BIIPOC experience in Queens and New York City. Through Visual Voices, curators identify and cultivate emerging talent; vet artist submissions; articulate the overall design aesthetics of exhibitions; coordinate transportation and collect and track artwork; oversee installation, deinstallation, and related tasks; collaborate with the JCAL artistic and administrative staff; and help to maintain upkeep of galleries during exhibitions and interim periods.
By managing exhibitions from end-to-end and producing an exhibition publication, Fellows receive the practical experience to launch and/or advance their curatorial career. Advised by a mentor hired specifically for the program, fellows network across NYC, learn curatorial best practices, and receive coaching on public speaking.
Too many NYC curatorial opportunities privilege those with established careers or financial independence. Each Visual Voices curator earns $4000 per exhibition.
Highlights from the first cycle of Visual Voices include Jamaica-based curator Shenna Vaughn’s curated gallery at JFK’s Terminal 8, and Adrian Bermeo’s show featuring visual interpretations of ancestral music. Exhibition themes also included Black resilience through an Afrofuturist lens; youth gun violence prevention; and music and visual art in the African, Latine, and Caribbean diasporas.
JCAL welcomes proposals from curators of all races, colors, religions, languages, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, socio-economic status, marital status, and all other differences.
Request for Proposals:
Visual Arts Curators
One proposal per curator will be accepted. A complete proposal will include all the elements detailed below. Maximum size is 100MB per file.
Applicant Eligibility
· Must be a current resident of New York City. Queens curators receive priority.
· Must be at least 18 years of age.
· Must demonstrate a minimum of one year experience (either 12 consecutive months in a particular role or by cumulative experiences and projects) working in a professional curatorial capacity in visual arts.
Proposal Requirements:
Cover Letter
Provide a one-page cover letter (with name, snail/email address, phone number) explaining your interest in Visual Voices, and how your work as a curator will benefit from this program.
Curatorial Statement
Provide a statement of no more than 500 words in which you detail your curatorial journey.
CV/Resume
Provide a CV (if appropriate) or professional resume.
Curatorial Portfolio
Submit images of previous projects, exhibitions or artworks. Up to 10 high-quality images may be submitted.
About JCAL
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts, and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. For additional information, visit www.JCAL.org.
Kro-matic
RRP Open April 7, 2025
RFP Close May 2, 2025
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) has partnered with Resorts World New York City to showcase artists in their acclaimed Red Wall Art Gallery. We seek multidisciplinary artists to display original work for “Kro-matic,” an exhibition conceived and curated by Adrian Bermeo.
Kro-matic is a group exhibition showcasing a spectrum of monochromatic artworks by 15 New York-based visual artists, each dedicated to a specific color. Though each piece stands alone in its distinct hue, together they form a cohesive yet complex dialogue exploring ideas on perception, individuality, and observing “the bigger picture.” Throughout this collection of independently striking styles and subject matter, viewers are challenged on the notion of singular viewpoints by celebrating various approaches to artmaking and the applications of color. Kro-matic exemplifies uniqueness while embracing multiple perspectives, urging us to consider a broader scope of aspects, ultimately leaning towards compassions beyond the immediate self.
For this direct invitation to the exhibition, artists are asked to confirm a chosen color and submit a monochromatic piece that exemplifies each artist’s unique style and approach to art making, ultimately promoting the importance of acknowledging multiple viewpoints and observing "the bigger picture" on any and all subject matters.
All proposed work must be install-ready. The exhibition will be on display at the Resorts World Red Wall Art Gallery from Friday, October 3, 2025 to Friday, December 5, 2025. Artists selected for this exhibition will each receive a $250 stipend. Kro-matic is part of JCAL’s Visual Voices curatorial initiative.
About Visual Voices:
Visual Voices is a three-year fellowship for emerging and midcareer visual arts curators. Through Visual Voices, curators identify and cultivate emerging talent; vet artist submissions; articulate the overall design aesthetics of exhibitions; coordinate transportation and collect and track artwork; oversee installation, deinstallation, and related tasks; collaborate with the JCAL artistic and administrative staff; and more.
Visual Voices reflects our leadership’s conviction that a diverse community isn’t defined top-down by a cultural institution, but rather by giving agency and power to a community to define itself.
Highlights from the first three-year cycle of Visual Voices include Jamaica-based curator Shenna Vaughn’s curated gallery at JFK’s Terminal 8, and Adrian Bermeo’s show featuring visual interpretations of ancestral music. Exhibition themes also included Black resilience through an Afrofuturist lens; youth gun violence prevention; and music and visual art in the African, Latine, and Caribbean diasporas. The second cycle of Visual Voices begins later in 2025 and runs through 2027.
Eligibility:
Solo artists only; no collectives or collaborations will be considered.
NYC-based artists are encouraged to apply; priority is given to Queens based artists.
Artists under 18 may participate with parental or guardian consent, with the minimum age being 13.
JCAL welcomes artists of all races, colors, religions, languages, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, and socioeconomic and marital statuses. Those who identify as part of underrepresented communities, and whose work centers on the artist’s personal experiences and observations, are especially welcome and encouraged to apply.
Application Materials (PDF or Word Only):
Only one application per artist will be accepted. A completed application must contain elements detailed below. Maximum file size is 100MB per file.
A. Artist Statement
Introduce yourself and your journey as an artist (500 words max).
B. Works for Consideration
Submit up to 10 individual works, that are original to you, as follows:
Title, date, medium of work, and dimensions of the work;
Short description of each work (100 words max);
Special exhibition directions, if appropriate, per work (100 words max).
C. Artist CV (optional)
Include a CV if you have one available.
Work will be reviewed based on quality and the completeness of the accompanying application. You may be contacted with follow-up questions regarding the nature of the work and the manner of intended exhibition. Artists are responsible for transporting and collecting all artwork to and from the institution. JCAL reserves the right to not exhibit artwork that does not meet display criteria or does not align with the institution’s mission. Submissions received after May 2, 2025 will not be considered.
Please note:
This is a request to submit artwork for exhibition purposes only. Not an offer for purchase.
JCAL does not offer feedback in any form on submitted works.
2025 Making Moves Dance Festival
RFP
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 16th Annual Making Moves Dance Festival (MMDF2025).
MMDF2025 will present commissions by and performances from up to nine choreographers. MMDF2025 runs at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (153-10 Jamaica Avenue) from Friday to Sunday, September 19 to 21, 2025. All choreographers, dance artists, and companies working in any genre—including, but not limited to, modern, contemporary, African, ballet, ballroom, folk, hip hop, jazz, and social-dance influence (e.g., vogue, house, waacking)—are encouraged to apply; bold ideas are especially welcome. Early submission is encouraged; the submission deadline is Friday, May 16, 2025, 6 pm.
MMDF2025 offers opportunities for choreographers and dance companies as follows:
· Major Commission: Two professional choreographers will receive a $3000 commission to create a new, 30-minute work to be presented at JPAC. Artists will be selected through an in-person audition/interview after a video submission. Commissioned choreographers will receive up to 80 hours of free rehearsal space at JCAL (space permitting). Commissioned choreographers will provide dancers, costumes, props, etc., out of commissioned funds (no solos or duets).
· Emerging Artists: Up to three professional emerging choreographers will receive a $1250 stipend to present a 15-minute piece at JPAC. Applicants must provide a record of accomplishment of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts in their submissions.
· Early-Career Artists: Up to four early-career professional choreographers and/or groups will receive a $750 stipend to present a 10-minute piece at JPAC; pre-existing work is preferred. Applicants must provide a record of accomplishment of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts in their submissions.
MMDF2025 applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC’s dance community; the jury will be chaired by JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench.
Applicants will be selected based on the strength of submitted work samples, clarity of choreographic vision, ability to communicate their commitment to purpose, aesthetics, and technique, an artist statement, evidence of training pertinent to the work, and a documented track record of artistic activity in NYC. Calls of inquiry regarding the status of an application will not be returned.
MMDF2025 applicants may be considered for multiple opportunities but can only be awarded in one category. Selected artists may request up to six hours of rehearsal space at JCAL/JPAC the week before MMDF2025, plus one dress and one tech rehearsal directly on the JPAC stage.
MMDF2025 applicants must be at least 18 years old, residents of NYC as of the application deadline, and have previously presented work in a public setting. Queens residents receive preference for all opportunities.
- Scoring will be based on technique, intent, storytelling, and presentation.
- A minimum of 3 minutes of straight video footage per work sample is required. Work samples should be no more than 3 years old. No reels or trailers, no edits, or cuts.
- If you send a long work sample, please timestamp length for viewing, 3 minutes max (your best 3 minutes).
- Maximum 3 work samples.
- Submit work samples as online links (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive) in a PDF. If samples are password protected and a password is not given, the application will be disqualified.
- Cover letter, resume, contact information, and work proposal are required.
Application deadline: Friday, May 16, 2025, 6 pm.
Selected artists notified: Monday, June 2, 2025.
For questions about the application, please contact Program Associate David Smith, Dsmith@jcal.org.
MMDF 2025 is supported by the Mellon Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and Harkness Foundation for Dance, with additional support from New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
About JCAL
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. JCAL is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm; closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit www.JCAL.org.
Beyond Familiar
RRP Open: Friday, April 4, 2025
RFP Close: Monday, April 28, 2025
Artists Notified: Friday, May 9, 2025
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) seeks applications from multidisciplinary artists to showcase original work in Beyond Familiar, an exhibition conceived and curated by Wanda Best.
Growth can involve an increase in width, length, or height, as well as a process of maturation or development. Beyond Familiar seeks artwork that interprets "growth" in a creative and lively manner that reaches outside your comfort level. The interpretation can be personal, observational, or represent a natural progression of change.
Visual representations reflective of the Pop Art movement—characterized by use of imagery from popular culture, such as advertising and everyday objects, often employing bold colors and simple forms—are especially welcome. Pop Art challenges traditional artistic norms, frequently incorporating references to mass culture and political satire. The goal is to see your unique perspective on growth. Go beyond your familiar boundaries. Please also note that this call is for visual arts only. Performance art will not be accepted.
Beyond Familiar opens at JCAL on Friday, July 25, 2025, and runs through Friday, September 13, 2025, as part of JCAL’s Visual Voices curatorial initiative. Artists selected for this exhibition will each receive a $250 stipend. This RFP opens on Friday, April 4, 2025, and closes on Monday, April 28, 2025. Submissions received after the RFP closes will not be considered.
Work will be reviewed based on quality and the completeness of the application. You may be contacted with follow-up questions regarding the nature of the work and intended manner of exhibition. Artists are responsible for transporting and collecting all artwork to and from the institution. JCAL reserves the right to not exhibit artwork that does not meet display criteria or does not align with the institution’s mission.
About Visual Voices:
Visual Voices is a three-year fellowship for emerging and midcareer visual arts curators. Through Visual Voices, curators identify and cultivate emerging talent; vet artist submissions; articulate the overall design aesthetics of exhibitions; coordinate transportation and collect and track artwork; oversee installation, deinstallation, and related tasks; collaborate with the JCAL artistic and administrative staff; and more.
Visual Voices reflects our leadership’s conviction that a diverse community isn’t defined top-down by a cultural institution, but rather by giving agency and power to a community to define itself.
Highlights from the first three-year cycle of Visual Voices include Jamaica-based curator Shenna Vaughn’s curated gallery at JFK’s Terminal 8, and Adrian Bermeo’s show featuring visual
interpretations of ancestral music. Exhibition themes also included Black resilience through an Afrofuturist lens; youth gun violence prevention; and music and visual art in the African, Latine, and Caribbean diasporas. The second cycle of Visual Voices begins later in 2025 and runs through 2027.
Eligibility:
• Solo artists only; no collectives or collaborations will be considered;
• NYC-based artists are encouraged to apply; priority is given to Queens based artists.
• Artists under 18 may participate with parental or guardian consent, with the minimum age being 13.
JCAL welcomes artists of all races, colors, religions, languages, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, and socioeconomic and marital statuses. Those who identify as part of underrepresented communities, and whose work centers on the artist’s personal experiences and observations, are especially welcome and encouraged to apply.
Application Materials (PDF or Word Only):
Only one application per artist will be accepted. A completed application must contain elements detailed below. Maximum file size is 100MB per file.
A. Artist Statement
Introduce yourself and your journey as an artist (500 words max).
B. Works for Consideration
Submit up to 10 individual works, that are original to you, as follows:
Title, date, medium of work, and dimensions of the work;
Short description of each work (100 words max);
Special exhibition directions, if appropriate, per work (100 words max).
C. Artist CV (optional)
Include a CV if you have one available.
This is a request to submit artwork only for possible exhibition purposes. It does not constitute an offer to purchase any artwork. JCAL does not offer feedback in any form on artist applications.
RFP, Meet the Playwright 2025
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 5th Annual Meet the Playwright (MTP2025) program. JCAL seeks four new, unpublished, unproduced plays by grassroots, early-career, and/or emerging playwrights for MTP2025.
MTP2025 spotlights emerging theatre writers identifying as BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color), with an emphasis Queens-based playwrights. Each month, from November 2025 to February 2026, each of this year’s playwrights will present at least 25 minutes, and no more than 35 minutes, from their play as a professional staged reading for a live audience. The performance concludes with a moderated Q&A between the audience, playwright, director, and creative team.
In MTP2025, each selected playwright receives a $2,000 stipend. With this stipend, each playwright covers the cost of engaging directors, actors, and any other collaborators (e.g., dramaturgs, designers) they wish. Each playwright also receives at least one, but up to two, private readings of the play at JCAL, and will meet monthly with the MTP Program Manager.
While MTP prioritizes Queens-based writers identifying as BIIPOC, any NYC-based BIIPOC playwright is eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC’s theatre community.
Application Process
After submitting Application Materials (see below), the jury will ask semifinalists by Monday, May 5, 2025, to submit their complete, full-length scripts. The jury will notify finalists for MTP2025 on Monday, May 26, 2025, after which interviews with the MTP Program Manager and JCAL leadership will take place during the week of May 26, 2025. Playwrights selected for MTP2025 will be formally notified on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Application Materials (PDF or Word Only)
A. Script Sample
Please upload a 10-page sample of the script from a full-length play. The pages don't have to come from the beginning of the play, but they must be 10 consecutive pages (the title page and character breakdown do not count toward the 10 pages).
B. Letter of Interest
Please answer the question, "How will MTP further the development of your play and advance your goals as a playwright?” in no more than 250 words. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself and your goals, writing, accomplishments, and anything else you'd like JCAL to know about you.
C. Bio
Please upload your approved bio.
D. Resume (Production History, If Applicable)
Please upload your professional resume and/or production history of your work, if applicable.
All applications and materials must be submitted via Submittable.com. Applications received by other methods will be disqualified.
Application deadline: Monday, April 28, 2025
Selected artists announced: Monday, June 2, 2025
For questions about the application, please contact Program Associate David Smith, Dsmith@jcal.org.
MTP2025 is supported by the Mellon Foundation and Howard Gilman Foundation with additional support from New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers, and general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs through the Mayor’s Office.
About JCAL
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts, and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. JCAL is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm; closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit www.JCAL.org.
Key of Life
Submissions Open: September 24, 2024
Submissions Close: October 23, 2024
Selected Artists Notified by: November 8, 2024
Exhibition Dates: January 17, 2025 – February 28, 2025
There is a certain rhythm that many of us feel; a groove that makes life worthwhile. What elements in the world add value and purpose to help you move? This exhibit will demonstrate the various artistic expressions of "keys" in one's life. What is your Key of Life?
For our annual JCAL Open Call exhibition, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning is seeking submissions of original artwork by Queens-based visual artists. All visual media is encouraged.
Eligibility:
· Solo artists only; no collectives or collaborations will be considered;
· Artist is a current resident of Queens or one of the five boroughs of New York City;
· Artist has not exhibited at JCAL, either solo or in a group exhibition, since January 1, 2020;
· Artist is at least 13 years old.
· JCAL welcomes artists of all races, colors, religions, languages, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, and socioeconomic and marital statuses. Those who identify as part of underrepresented communities are especially welcome and encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements:
Only one application per artist will be accepted. A completed application must contain elements detailed below. Maximum file size is 100MB per file.
Artist Statement
- Tell us about yourself and how your work relates to the Open Call theme, Key of Life. (300 words max)
Works for Consideration
- Up to 5 original artworks, submitted as hi-res files;
- All label information: title, year, medium, dimensions, and price, submitted as a .PDF or Word document;
- Any special considerations or installation requirements, submitted as a .PDF or Word document.
Artist CV (optional)
- Please include a CV, artist website, or link to any online platform showcasing your work.
This exhibition is open to all artists over the age of 13. Participating artists under 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. All artists will be compensated with a stipend of $250 and will have the opportunity to sell their work over the course of the exhibition.
Deadline to submit is October 23, 2024 at 11:59PM. Works submitted after this date will not be accepted. Applicants may submit new or pre-existing work. All submissions will be reviewed based on the quality and completeness of the accompanying application. You may be contacted with follow-up questions regarding the nature of the work and intended manner of exhibition. Artists are responsible for transporting and collecting all artwork to and from the institution. JCAL reserves the right to not exhibit artwork that does not meet display criteria or does not align with the institution’s mission.