Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice

The goal of the Queens Teens Institute for Art and Social Justice (QTI) is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of leaders in the arts and social change.

Each year, QTI explores a unique theme. Recent collaborations include partnerships with fashion brand Awake NY and electronic music company Marshall, offering participants a hands-on opportunity to engage with the innovative practices and leaders in these fields.

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.

The application for the 2026-27 QTI Leadership Cohort will be available in the Fall.

For questions related to the program or application, please reach out to Youth & Public Programs Manager, Erica-Ashley Gittens at egittens@queensmuseum.org.

QTI’s Four Pillars of Focus:

• Art: Cultivating a brave-space where teens can express themselves through visual art, performance art or written word.
• Education: Arming our future leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to be the social justice warriors of tomorrow.
• Leadership: Empowering our 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 to BIPOC and marginalized Queens-based youth.

Purpose

QTI participants will develop skills in the areas of art, social justice and leadership. They will be actively engaged in the Queens Museum and their communities as they explore the intersection of art and social justice. Participants will exchange ideas and maintain relationships with other young artists and activists locally, nationally and internationally and attend trips. QTI’s program will culminate in a public exhibition at the Queens Museum.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Commitment to a full academic year of mandatory weekly hybrid (in-person and virtual) participation, excluding breaks and holidays. No more than two absences per semester 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.

Relevant Education, Experience & Skills

• Must be Queens-affiliated Juniors or Seniors in September 2024
• Must demonstrate an interest in developing leadership in the arts, fashion, music, design or social justice (or a combination of the aforementioned).
• Must be highly responsible, motivated, and prepared to participate and complete dedicated work in collaboration with staff and QTI participants.
• BIPOC and teens from marginalized communities to the front!

Benefits

• Accepted participants receive a $1,000 stipend for the 9-month program commitment and a MetroCard to cover travel expenses.
• Accepted participants are also eligible for other paid work opportunities at Queens Museum. (ex. workshop assistants, camp counselors, etc)

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.

Program Schedule

• Workshops: 1-2x a month (Hybrid)
• Leadership Seminars: 1x a month (Hybrid)
• Professional Development Training: 1x a month (Hybrid)
• 2 Community Service Projects: (Onsite)
• Social Events: (Parties/Movie Nights/Open Mic Night)

Location: Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Building, Queens, NY 11368