2026–27 ARTWorks Fellowship Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning

Summary
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) invites New York City-based visual artists to apply for its Artist Fellowship Training Seminar Series (ARTWorks), a six-month Fellowship that focuses on career sustainability and amplifies the work of emerging, underrepresented visual artists. While all New York City-based visual artists may apply, priority will be given to Queens-based BIIPOC artists.

During ARTWorks, six artists will regard their practice as a small business, identify entrepreneurial and professional goals, and generate a long-term plan to accomplish them. In doing so, ARTWorks Fellows receive the practical knowledge to navigate the aesthetic and socioeconomic complexities and substructures of the New York art world. Through fiscal and technical support, Fellows will learn the business of art as they expand their professional network.

Fellows will also engage periodically with an established career artist, who will serve as Artist Mentor to the group. During the program, the ARTWorks Artist Mentor and Program Manager will both act as contact points and resources. Their roles, in part, are to ensure that the Fellowship serves the needs and meets the interests of each artist. Occasions for peer-to-peer, group, and/or one-on-one guidance and feedback are provided.

Members of the 2026 ARTWorks cohort will have the opportunity to interact with previous ARTWorks Fellows for occasional guidance and support. After their own Fellowship is completed, the 2026 cohort would be welcome to mentor future cohorts as well.

Each Fellow in the ARTWorks program receives $5,000, paid out over the course of the program. Fellows are also eligible for free studio space at JCAL, comprised of about 550 square feet, on an as-available basis. (Applicants should be aware that this studio space will be shared with other JCAL programs.) One 7’ x 4’ studio closet will be allotted to Fellows for storing projects and materials if needed. Working through the Program Manager, Fellows may also take one free class at JCAL on a space-available basis.

At the conclusion of ARTWorks, Fellows participate in a two-month public group exhibition (with catalogue) in JCAL’s Miller and Community galleries.

Key Details

Term: October 7, 2026 – June 18, 2027

Exhibition Opens: April 9, 2027

Interview Period: August 11 – 14, 2026

Selected Fellows Notified: August 21, 2026

Deadline
July 13, 2026

Eligibility
Program Eligibility:

Top priority will be given to Queens-based artists of underrepresented communities. Artists with multidisciplinary practices are welcome to apply, with the understanding that ARTWorks focuses on visual artists who work in traditional forms.

Applicants must also:

reside in New York City (preferably Queens) or Long Island

identify as BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color)

demonstrate clarity of concept in their work and strong evidence of craft

possess a deep commitment to social practice in their work

not have received major exposure via exhibitions, grants, or other residencies

not be enrolled full- or part-time in any college degree or certificate program

past ARTWorks Fellows are ineligible

Compensation
$5,000 stipend

About
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is to offer quality visual and performing arts programs and to provide accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts.

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