OPEN CALL FOR
QUEER BLACK VISUAL ARTISTS
APPLICATION IS CLOSED
The Narrative Portraits series elevates the visibility of Black Queer and SGL people by featuring the work of emerging contemporary artists. The portraits explore same gender loving narratives of self-acceptance as a rite of passage towards learning to love ourselves and each other.
The Learning to Love project is a public art and performance initiative highlighting the work of two young, emerging same-gender loving (SGL), gay, queer, gender nonconforming (GNC), or trans Black male artists sharing narratives of trajectories of self-acceptance through art. The Narrative Portraits public art component will feature works by emerging contemporary visual artists rendered through a digital lens and feature a curated display of selected images accompanied by a quote(s) about your work. The digital exhibitions will be designed by visual artist and designer Jon Key, a TGC board member, and featured on the LinkNYC digital kiosks across New York and centrally Harlem.
We will be selecting two artists to feature and mentor over the year Sept 30 2024 — August 2025.
Expectations for fellowship:
Availability to allow for shooting you in your studio (or home) to capture moving portraits and short interview (2-3 questions).
Each Visual Artists will share 2-4 social media posts (Twitter/FB/Instagram) highlighting the series.
A signed agreement for non-commercial use of your art and like-ness for the digital displays and social media promotion
Each Visual Artist will receive a stipend of $750
Mentorship over the course of the year Sept 30 2024 — August 2025 will include
Studio Visits with Jon Key and Other Queer Black Artists TBD
Review of Portfolio, cover letter and CV for future grant applications
Networking Events/Dinners with The Gatekeepers Collective Community
Entry Requirements
Must be a SGL, Gay, Queer, GNC, or trans Black man.
Must Live in NYC and Boroughs of New York (Priority to Harlem Artists)
1 photo of Artwork
Need social media handles (instagram or twitter/x)
Short Bio
Short Description of Work and Practice
Must be a visual artists (painting, collage, mix media, photography*, and sculpture
*Photography can not be solely portraiture.
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