QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Emerging Artists 2026–2027 | $20,000 Award

Omran Aburayya
Sep 4
3 min read

If you are an emerging visual artist based in New York City and looking for an opportunity to advance your career through funding, mentorship, and exposure, the 2026–2027 QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Emerging Artists is now open for applications. This prestigious program, hosted by the Queens Museum and supported by the Jerome Foundation, offers two artists a unique chance to develop new work, receive professional support, and present a solo project exhibition at the Queens Museum in 2027. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: Queens Museum, New York City, USA
Host Institution: Queens Museum (supported by the Jerome Foundation)
Level: Emerging visual artists
Target Group: Visual artists residing in NYC’s five boroughs
Fields of Focus: Visual arts (all mediums)
Award Value: $20,000 per fellow (paid in two installments, covering artist fees, materials, and production costs)
Additional Support: Professional development consultations, mentorship from QM curatorial staff, solo exhibition in 2027
Award Duration: 1 year (2026–2027)
Application Deadline: September 22, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
Start Date: Fellowship begins in 2026 and culminates with exhibitions in 2027
Eligible To: Emerging artists residing in NYC for at least one year before the deadline and throughout the fellowship period

📚 Fellowship Overview

The QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship is designed to support artists at the beginning of their public careers. Fellows will receive:

A $20,000 grant to fund their project.
One-on-one mentorship from Queens Museum curatorial staff.
Professional development consultations to expand their practice.
A solo project exhibition at the Queens Museum in 2027.

The program defines an emerging artist as someone who:

Has completed their studies but has not had solo exhibitions at major commercial galleries, museums, or institutions.
May have participated in group exhibitions but has not gained extensive press or market recognition.
Has not received major grants comparable to this fellowship.
May have exhibited abroad on a limited basis but lacks significant U.S. or NYC exposure.

💰 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: $20,000 award (two installments).
Solo Exhibition: Culminating presentation at the Queens Museum in 2027.
Mentorship & Guidance: Direct support from experienced curatorial staff.
Professional Development: Access to consultations and institutional resources.
Community Engagement: Opportunities to integrate projects with Queens’ diverse communities.
Visibility: Introduction to wider audiences, curators, and art networks in NYC.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Reside in one of NYC’s five boroughs for at least one year prior to the deadline and remain until the end of the fellowship.
Be emerging artists as defined above.
Not have received major fellowships/grants equivalent to $20,000.
Show readiness to expand and experiment with their artistic practice.
Propose a project suitable for development and presentation at Queens Museum.

📝 Application Procedure

Application Portal: Applications are accepted via Submittable.
Required Materials:
- Artist statement
- Project proposal
- Work samples (images, videos, or related visual documentation)
- CV/resume
- Optional: supplementary sketches or renderings related to the proposed project
Review Process:
- Applications are reviewed by Queens Museum curatorial staff and two guest jurors.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in November 2025.
- Final decisions will be announced before the end of 2025.
Deadline: September 22, 2025, 11:59 PM EST (late submissions will not be accepted).

🧭 Equity, Access, and Inclusion

The Queens Museum emphasizes diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all its initiatives. The fellowship is committed to supporting underrepresented voices in the arts and fostering connections between artists and Queens’ diverse communities.