Queens Arts Fund: New Work Grant

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. Applicants may submit grant requests ranging from $3,000 to $7,500.

The New Work Grant is one of two grant programs offered within the Queens Arts Fund (QAF). 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. 

Project Eligibility

All project activities must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2027.

New Work Requirement

Proposed projects must involve the creation of a new work within the 2027 calendar year (January 1 – December 31, 2027). “New Work” is defined as work that has not been produced or presented to an audience before. This can include works in progress that you have been developing over time but have not yet presented, as well as entirely new projects that you plan to start and complete during 2027.

Public Component Requirement

Proposed projects must include a public component that takes place in Queens* within the 2027 calendar year (January 1 – December 31, 2027) and provides Queens community members with the opportunity to experience dynamic, easily accessible arts and cultural events. Public Components can include, but are not limited to: exhibitions, performances, festivals, screenings, readings, and workshops. Projects may be in any artistic discipline. Preference is given to public programs that are free or have a sliding scale fee to participate, and are ADA accessible.

*Public components may be held in-person, virtually, or combination of both. All presentations and events taking place virtually must include some type of live component (i.e. an artist talk, Q&A, listening, or viewing event) and must be targeted towards local Queens audiences or participants. Uploaded videos/media or online galleries alone are not sufficient. Applicants proposing virtual public components still must be based in Queens.

Project Expenses

Funds must be used to complete the project outlined in the application form. Please review the list of eligible and ineligible project expenses below for more information on what the New Work Grant can and cannot fund.