Queens Council on the Arts’ innovative program designed to democratize art commissioning is now accepting applications: apply now to participate as an artist or art commissioner

Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) is pleased to announce the official launch of the third year of its Artist Commissioning Program (ACP). QCA is now accepting applications for both the role of ACP artist and arts commissioner!

This innovative program democratizes art commissioning by reimagining a historically privileged process. The ACP enables local community members, or “Art Commissioners,” to select which artists receive $10,000 commissions. Art Commissioners decide which new works should become part of American culture by actively commissioning projects that defy the cultural mainstream and highlight untold stories relevant to Queens communities. Every year, the ACP focuses on two Queens neighborhoods: this year, the program will focus on Flushing and Maspeth/Ridgewood, forming two community-based commissioning groups.

Art Commissioners may include any Queens-based or affiliated community member and art appreciator passionate about supporting art making. Art Commissioners will evaluate and select the artists’ projects, serving as advisors to the artists during their creative process from start to finish. The community-based cohort will host monthly art convenings, receive access to professional development around commissioning art, and support their group’s selected artists throughout their projects’ World Premieres in Queens.

Artists may include any Queens-based or affiliated playwright, choreographer, or composer. Selected artists will receive a $10,000 commission to create a new theater script, choreography, or musical score highlighting untold stories relevant to these two Queens communities. Artists will be paired with an advisory cohort of Art Commissioners that selected their project who serve as a professional resource, and receive a World Premiere performance of their new work in Queens.

Throughout the 2019-2020 program, the ACP cohort will participate in a series of monthly art convenings, including art salons, professional development events, and open rehearsals showcasing works in process. The program will culminate in a series of four World Premieres of commissioned art works in late summer and fall of 2020, all of which will be free and open to the public.

Collectively, these two cohorts will create the next generation of American culture and art commissioners for Queens.

For more information about the ACP and to apply to participate, visit: www.queenscouncilarts.org/art-commissioning/.

Information Sessions are required for all applicants. Interested parties are also encouraged to attend the three upcoming World Premieres from the program’s 2019 Season on September 15, September 20, and October 20.