OPEN CALL FOR
QUEER BLACK VISUAL ARTISTS 

Deadline:
October 16, 2024

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.

Artwork by Khari Johnson Ricks, 2021 Learning to Love Fellow

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.

Help us continue to
support Black Queer Artists.

Donate today!

All donations are tax-deductible