Visual Voices 2025: Emancipation: The Rise of Womanhood
Ends on
Emancipation: The Rise of Womanhood
Date: 16th Jan - 13th March
RFP Open October 14, 2025
RFP Close November 21, 2025 (midnight)
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning seeks female artists who are Queens residents to show original work in “Emancipation: The Rise of Womanhood,” an exhibition curated by Alma Leya. “Emancipation” opens Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Jamaica Arts Center, running through Friday, March 13, 2026. "Emancipation: The rise of Womanhood" is part of JCAL’s Visual Voices curatorial initiative.
Concept:
The concept of "Emancipation" is for each female participating artist to reflect their own perspectives on womanhood through their work. Inspiration may come from their own life, from someone they are closely attached to, or from idols or role models. Their inspiration doesn’t have to be restricted to only one event or situation; they can reflect different events through their work.
Materiality:
Mediums for “Emancipation” aren’t limited to painting; sculpture and installations are welcome. There is no restriction on the size of artwork. Those artworks that best reflect the exhibition concept will be selected.
Process:
Interested artists submit their work solely through the JCAL Submittable portal. Each artist may submit a maximum of 10 works for consideration. All artwork must be install-ready. Participating artists receive a $250 stipend.
About Visual Voices:
Visual Voices is a three-year curatorial fellowship that provides emerging and mid-career curators with financial support, professional experience, and mentorship. By providing artists with a radically accessible platform and financial support, Visual Voices reflects JCAL’s conviction that a diverse community isn’t defined top-down by a cultural institution, but rather by affording agency and power to a community to define itself. Visual Voices fellows curate a majority of the exhibitions at JCAL, ensuring JCAL consistently features the unique creativity and full cultural diversity of Queens. Curators consistently platform the work of BIIPOC visual artists by offering them opportunities to experiment and take creative risks, and by connecting broader communities with their work.
Eligibility:
Solo artists only; no collectives or collaborations will be considered.
Current Queens, NY residents only.
Selected artists will need to provide proof of Queens residency. Artists under 18 may participate with parent or guardian consent, with the minimum age being 13.
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
Please introduce yourself, your story, and describe the motivations, methods, and contexts which shape your work. (500 words max).
B. Works for Consideration
· Submit up to 10 individual works, that are original to you, as follows:
· Work Details: 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. CV / Artist Resume (optional)
Include a CV or Artist Resume (if 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 midnight on November 21, 2025, will not be considered.
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.
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 or applications.