Queens Arts Fund

Queens Arts Fund (QAF) offers project-based grants to Queens-based artists, artist collectives, and small non-profit organizations to support the local production of artwork and cultural programs that highlight, engage, and bolster the diverse communities of the Queens borough.

In 2023, NYFA distributed $457,600 to 142 Queens-based artists, artist collectives, and small nonprofit organizations through the Queens Arts Fund (QAF). Selected projects, which will be supported by $457,600 in total funding, span creative disciplines  including poetry; plays; and community-based, dance, film, installation, multimedia, music, textile, and sculptural works.

Please click here to view a full list of 2023 recipients and panelists.

The 2023 Queens Arts Fund is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Greater New York Arts Development Fund, in partnership with the City Council.

HOW TO APPLY

The 2024 cycle of QAF will again be administered by NYFA, and will open in Fall 2023.

Before applying, please view grant guidelines by selecting the grant below:

For Organizations:
ARTS ACCESS GRANT 

A group of dancers wearing white tank tops and black shorts pose in a dance move, with an audience watching in the background.
Image Credit: Marc Nunez, Gotham Dance Theater performance at Queensboro Dance Festival at Hunters Point LIC (August 2021). Photo Credit: Josef Pinlac.

For Queens-based small-budget 501c3 nonprofit organizations or unincorporated artist collectives:

The Arts Access Grant supports community-based organizations and collectives in their efforts to produce public arts and cultural programs in all artistic disciplines that bolster the cultural vibrancy of the Queens communities and neighborhoods where they are located and operate.

Grant Amount: $1,000 – $5,000

2023 ARTS ACCESS GRANT GUIDELINES 點擊這裡查看中文“申請指南 Presione aquí para leer las pautas en español

For Individuals: 
NEW WORK GRANT

Two individuals wearing in traditional Indian clothing are still in a dance gesture.
Image Credit: Mala Desai, CoVidYa, Shringar (decoration) presented by Mala’s Odissi at Jamaica Performing Arts Center. Photo Credit: QDF 2021.

For individual artists, unincorporated artist collectives, or collaborations between multiple artists:

The New Work Grant supports emerging individual artists and artist collectives of all artistic disciplines in their creation of new work. “New Work” is defined as work that has not been produced or presented to an audience before.

Grant Amount: $3,000

2023 NEW WORK GRANT GUIDELINES 點擊這裡查看中文“申請指南 Presione aquí para leer las pautas en español

You can learn more about the QAF Evaluation and Selection Process here.

ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING

Info Sessions and One-on-One Sessions

The NYFA Grant’s team will be hosting a series of virtual information sessions and one-on-one office hours designed to help artists, collectives, and non-profit organizations build a strong application. All QAF applicants are required to attend or watch at least one info session.

Please click here to sign up and access recorded videos.

Request an Accommodation

To request an accommodation or if you need assistance in applying online, please email [email protected] or call (212) 366-6900 ext.211 on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM EST. For accommodation outside of the provided time slot, please email [email protected] to schedule a phone call. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible, and no later than Tuesday, December 20 to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application before the deadline.

All questions should be directed to [email protected].

Image Credit: Gustavo Rodriguez, guitar class by Andres Flores in a closed bar in Jackson Heights, Queens.