Queens in Flight Local Art Program at JFK Terminal 6
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Queens in Flight Local Art Program at JFK Terminal 6
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Submission Deadline: September 5th, 2025
Artists Notified by: October 27, 2025
Description
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), on behalf of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), invites local Queens-based artists to submit proposals for the Queens in Flight Local Art Program at JFK Terminal 6 who meet one of the following criteria:
a. Queens residents for at least twelve months, or;
b. Artists who make art at the time of their submission out of a Queens-based studio or location, or;
c. Artists who can demonstrate a strong personal or professional relationship to the borough.
This program will showcase the cultural and artistic diversity of Queens through contemporary art installed in high-traffic areas of this new and expanded airport terminal. Artists selected will license their artwork and have the opportunity to display it before millions of global passengers, to provide signage and information on their work, portfolio, and art practice (e.g. QR codes), and to sell the displayed artwork if they choose. Artwork will be on display for 12 months, after which a new cohort of local artists will be selected to display their artwork.
The Art
Queens in Flight is not a commissioning program; this RFP is to surface only preexisting artworks by Queens-based artists that a) reflect the cultural and artistic diversity of Queens, and b) fit a prefabricated display case (2’6” wide by 5’ long and 7’8” tall). Any artwork that is considered for display may only "utilize statements, symbols or markings in the artworks submitted that are suitable for artworks to be displayed in a public space and in conformance with Port Authority standards and that do not violate the right of privacy or publicity of any third party."
Artist Fee
Each selected artist will receive a stipend of $5,000.
Applicant Eligibility
Selected artists must:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- At the time of their selection, provide proof of one of the following:
- are current Queens residents for at least twelve months, or;
- artists who make art at the time of their submission out of a Queens-based studio or location, or;
- can demonstrate a strong personal or professional relationship to the borough.
- Make artwork available for license that reflects the cultural diversity and dynamism of Queens.
- Make artwork available that fits in a prefabricated display case.
While only artists who meet the eligibility requirements may apply, applicants of all races, colors, religions, languages, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, socioeconomic status, marital status, and all other protected categories are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Proposal Requirements
- Cover Letter: Provide a one-page cover letter (with name, snail/email address, phone number) explaining your interest in the Queens in Flight Local Art Program, and how your work as an artist will benefit from this program.
- Artist Statement: Provide a statement of no more than five hundred words (2 pages or less) detailing your artistic journey, the themes you explore in your work, and how your artwork aligns with the purpose and goals of the Queens in Flight Local Art program.
- CV/Resume: Provide a CV (if appropriate) or professional resume.
- Portfolio: Submit up to 3 high-quality images of preexisting artworks for consideration for the program.
Submission Deadline
Submit all proposals by 3:00 p.m. EST on Friday, September 5, 2025, to Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), 161-4 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432. Late submissions will not be accepted.
All proposals must be submitted through Submittable at the following link: https://jcal.submittable.com/submit/331578/queens-in-flight-local-art-program-at-jfk-terminal-6
Selection Process
A seven-member selection committee, comprising representatives from JCAL, JMP, the Port Authority, and local and national art experts, will evaluate submissions and select up to six artists whose work reflects Queens' cultural diversity.
Art Installation, Exhibition & Preservation
Artwork preparation and installation logistics will occur in November of each year, and the artwork will be on display for 12 months.
- Art installation will be strategically placed in high-traffic areas of the airport that transit international passengers and provide signage and information (e.g., QR codes) where the traveling public can view and purchase the work on display. An introductory plaque or digital display near each artwork will provide information about the artist, the title, and a brief description or statement about the work.
- The artist will have the opportunity to sell the work on display, with such sale facilitated by JCAL.
- Each exhibit will be documented through high-quality photography and video to create an archive of the program for promotional purposes of future exhibitions. Artists' works will be featured on the Port Authority’s JFK Airport T6 website, specifically on the Art page.
- All art placement, signage, and placement of QR codes must be approved by JMP and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Questions and Answers
1. Question: What are the dimensions of the display case? Answer: The display cases measure 2’6” wide, 5’ long, and 7’8” tall.
2. Question: Will the display cases be viewable 360 degrees or only from the front? Answer: There will be six display cases in total, three in each phase. The cases are glass on all sides, allowing the artwork to be viewed from multiple angles. However, one case in Phase 2 will be installed against a wall, meaning it will not be viewable from the back.
3. Question: Do artists need to provide their own stand or support for the artwork inside the case? Answer: No. Each display case already includes a stand for artwork placement.
4. Question: What type of lighting is provided in the display cases? Does it come only from the top? Answer: Yes. The lighting in the cases comes from the top only.
5. Question: Is it possible to suspend pieces in the display case? Answer: No
6. Question: Can you say more about the "licensing"? Does that mean you will make and sell promotional products/prints? Answer: The licensing agreement is straightforward. Artists grant permission for their work to be displayed as part of the program. Each piece will feature a QR code that connects viewers to information about the artist and their practice, including links to the artist’s website where interested buyers can learn more or purchase available works directly. The licensing also ensures that the artwork on display belongs to the submitting artist and authorizes the use of its image for marketing and promotional purposes related to the program. It does not involve reproducing, selling, or profiting from the artwork itself.
7. Question: Are large canvas paintings eligible for submission? Answer: Yes, large canvas paintings can be submitted as long as they fit within the display case requirements prescribed in the RFP. Submissions that exceed those size limits cannot be accommodated.
8. Question: What qualifies an artist as “Queens-based”? Does working out of an art studio matter? Answer: To qualify as a Queens-based artist for the Queens in Flight Local Art Program at JFK Terminal 6, an artist only needs to meet one of the following: they must either have lived in Queens for at least twelve months, create art out of a Queens-based studio or location at the time of submission, or demonstrate a strong personal or professional relationship to the borough. It is not necessary to meet all three requirements.
9. Question: If three artworks must be submitted with the application, what happens if one of them is sold before the exhibition? Can alternates be provided, or must it be the original three submitted? Answer: The selection process is based strictly on the artworks submitted with the application. If one of those pieces is no longer available and it was chosen for display, the artist would be disqualified, since the decision is made on the submitted works themselves and substitutions are not allowed.
10. Question: How many artworks can be submitted with the application? Answer: Each artist can submit up to 3 different images or a series to be considered for selection.
11. Question: Should artists provide a description of how their artwork could be displayed in the case? Answer: Yes. The application includes a section where artists can provide information about their work so the review panel understands what they are looking at. However, it is also important to clearly show the actual artwork that would be displayed.
12. Question: For the portfolio, should artists submit photos of the artwork or the artwork itself? Answer: Artists should submit photos of their artwork, not the physical pieces. This means providing clear, high-quality photos that accurately represent the work. High resolution is preferred, but the most important factor is that the images clearly show the artwork. Good lighting such as natural sunlight can help ensure the photos are clear and true to the original.
13. Question: Can four canvases be connected together, like a box, to display inside the case? Answer: Yes. Connected canvases may be displayed in this way as long as the entire piece fits within the dimensions of the display case. This configuration would be considered one of the three required submissions.
14. Question: If an artist plans to submit small 12-inch miniatures of a larger nine- foot public sculpture, can a photo of the larger sculpture be submitted alongside the miniature? Would the photo count as a second piece? Answer: A photo of the larger sculpture may be included with the miniature submission to help tell the story of the work and provide context, but it would not count as a separate piece. The submission itself must be miniature, since all artworks displayed must fit within the case dimensions. It is important to be clear in the description, so the review panel understands what is being submitted for display
15. Question: Is there a specific theme required for the artwork? Answer: There is no specific theme required. Artists are encouraged to submit their best existing work that reflects their practice. While pieces that represent Queens are especially welcome, the program is not commissioning site-specific work. Submissions should be artwork you already have, though if an artist chooses to create a new piece, that is also acceptable.
16. Question: Will all three submitted artworks be displayed, or only the proposed artwork? Answer: Each artist can submit up to 3 different images or a series to be considered for selection. However only one piece (or series) selected by the review panel will be displayed. If a series is submitted as one of the three artworks and it is chosen, the full series may be displayed as long as it fits within the case dimensions. The other submitted works will not be displayed.
17. Question: Can an artist submit if they were raised in Queens but no longer live there as an adult? Answer: Yes, it is possible under certain conditions. While not currently living in Queens would not satisfy the residency requirement, an artist could still qualify if they are actively working in Queens (such as through a studio or location) or if they can demonstrate a strong personal or professional relationship to the borough. This third criterion requires the artist to clearly show meaningful ties to Queens such as community involvement, ongoing collaborations, or other connections that reflect a continued relationship with the borough. Ultimately, the responsibility is on the artist to make the case for qualification under this category.
18. Question: Are there limitations on the type of artwork that can be displayed, such as restrictions on figurative work or classical nudes? Answer: All submissions must be appropriate for an international audience that includes travelers from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. While figurative work and classical nudes are not automatically excluded, the program must ensure it is in line with Port Authority requirements, that artwork on display does not offend community standards or sensibilities. Artists are encouraged to carefully consider the diverse audience at the airport when deciding which works to submit.
19. Question: Is there a list of artists who have previously participated in this program? Answer: No, there is not. This is a brand-new terminal and the Queens in Flight Local Art Program is being launched for the first time. As a result, there is no past roster of participating artists to reference.
20. Question: Will artists be able to assist with the installation of their work? Answer: Yes. Selected artists will have the opportunity to work closely with the installer to ensure their pieces are displayed properly and in the best possible light. Finalists will also be given a tour of the installation area in advance so they can understand the space.
21. Question: When will the first group of selected artworks be displayed? Answer: The display of the selected artworks will coincide with the opening of the new terminal, which is currently anticipated for the first quarter of the year. The exact timing may vary depending on the final opening date, but selected artists will be closely coordinated with to ensure their work is installed in line with the terminal’s launch.
Legacy and Continuation
JMP will document each exhibit through high-quality photography and video to create an archive of the program. This can be used for promotional purposes of future exhibitions. The Port Authority T6 Art webpage will feature artists' works.
Other Matters
- Certification Process: Selected artists must provide proof to have met the eligibility requirements spelled out in this RFP.
- Contractual Agreements: The contract for the artists will be between JMP and the Artist, facilitated by JCAL.
- Community Engagement: An opening reception will be held for the new exhibition, inviting the community, airport staff, and travelers to celebrate the unveiling of the works. Promotional materials (flyers, social media campaigns, press releases) will be created to publicize the opening receptions and highlight the artists and their works.
About JFK Millennium Partners and Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
JFK Millennium Partners (JMP)
Terminal 6 is an award-winning public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) – a consortium that includes Vantage Airport Group, an industry leading investor, developer and manager of award-winning global airport projects, including LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer and manager of infrastructure assets; RXR, an innovative New York real estate investor and developer; and JetBlue Airways. As part of its agreement with the Port Authority, JMP also currently manages JFK Terminal 7, which will be demolished in 2026 when the second phase of Terminal 6 construction begins. For more information, visit https://www.anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (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 10am to 6pm; closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit www.JCAL.org.