Queens Teens Institute 2026-2027 Applications Now Open — Deadline: 10.25.26

As the Queens Teens Institute for Art and Social Justice (QTI) enters its fifth year, we are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the upcoming cohort! Become a part of a growing group of leaders, artists, and social justice-minded individuals while making friends, learning about different professions, and strengthening your passions. This program is led by the Queens Museum Education Department and collaborators from across the community. QTI will focus on nurturing thoughtful and young artists, and the next generation of Queens-based leaders in the arts and social change.

Click here to apply by October 25, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

The goal of the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice (QTI) is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of leaders in the arts and social change. Through a series of art-making workshops, leadership seminars, community service projects, and professional development training over the academic year, participants will gain experience as artists and leaders and access to networks, institutions, and mentors that will support their growth and practice.

Accepted participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for their 9-month commitment to the program, along with extra funds to cover travel expenses. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to apply for other paid work opportunities at the Queens Museum, such as roles as workshop assistants, camp counselors, and more.

QTI generally meets at the Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Building, Queens, NY 11368, with the possibility of certain workshops and seminars taking place offsite.

QTI’s Four Pillars of Focus:

• Art: Cultivating a brave space where teens can express themselves through visual art, music, performance art, or written word.
• Education: Providing future leaders with the knowledge and tools to be the social justice warriors of tomorrow.
• Leadership: Empowering teens to be the change that they seek.
• Service: Inspiring teens to give back to their local communities.

Mission 

Our mission is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of Queens-based leaders in the arts and social change. We will elevate access to art education programs with a leadership and professional development focus for BIPOC and marginalized Queens-based youth.

Purpose 

QTI participants will develop skills in the areas of art, design, social justice, and leadership. They will be actively engaged in the Queens Museum, their communities, and beyond as they explore the intersection of the arts, in the broadest sense of the word, and social justice. Participants will exchange ideas and maintain relationships with other young artists, designers, and activists locally, nationally, and internationally and attend trips to connect with other youth programs in the NYC area. QTI’s program will culminate in a public exhibition at the Queens Museum.

Educational Benefits

QTI participants will develop skills and professional insight into all aspects of operating an art museum. They will build experience as leaders and engage in service-learning projects focused on art and social justice. They will gain an understanding of how art and social justice intersect and develop their practice in both areas.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Commitment to a full 9-month program of weekly hybrid (in-person and virtual) participation, excluding breaks and holidays. No more than 4 absences for the year will be permitted, except in extenuating circumstances.
• Proactive contribution to the development and planning of QTI activities and events.
• Focused participation in the promotion, outreach, and presentation of the QTI.
• Effective collaboration with the programming team.

Click here to apply by October 25, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Supporters

The Queens Teens Insitute for Art & Social Justice is made possible with lead support from The Keith Haring Foundation, Marshall, The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, M&T Charitable Foundation, LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, NewYork-Presbyterian, The TJX Foundation, and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.