Queens in Flight Local Art Program at JFK Terminal 6

The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), on behalf of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), invites local Queens-based artists to submit proposals for the Queens in Flight Local Art Program at JFK Terminal 6 who meet one of the following criteria:

a. Queens residents for at least twelve months, or;
b. Artists who make art at the time of their submission out of a Queens-based studio or location, or;
c. Artists who can demonstrate a strong personal or professional relationship to the borough.

This program will showcase the cultural and artistic diversity of Queens through contemporary art installed in high-traffic areas of this new and expanded airport terminal. Artists selected will license their artwork and have the opportunity to display it before millions of global passengers, to provide signage and information on their work, portfolio, and art practice (e.g. QR codes), and to sell the displayed artwork if they choose. Artwork will be on display for 12 months, after which a new cohort of local artists will be selected to display their artwork.

The Art

Queens in Flight is not a commissioning program; this RFP is to surface only preexisting artworks by Queens-based artists that a) reflect the cultural and artistic diversity of Queens, and b) fit a prefabricated display case (2’6” by 5’ wide and 7’8” tall). Any artwork that is considered for display may only “utilize statements, symbols or markings in the artworks submitted that are suitable for artworks to be displayed in a public space and in conformance with Port Authority standards and that do not violate the right of privacy or publicity of any third party.”

Artist Fee

Each selected artist will receive a stipend of $5,000.

Requirements

Selected artists must:

Be at least 16 years of age.
At the time of their selection, provide proof of one of the following:
- are current Queens residents for at least twelve months, or;
- artists who make art at the time of their submission out of a Queens-based studio or location, or;
- can demonstrate a strong personal or professional relationship to the borough.

Make artwork available for license that reflects the cultural diversity and dynamism of Queens.
Make artwork available that fits in a prefabricated display case.
While only artists who meet the eligibility requirements may apply, applicants of all races, colors, religions, languages, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, socioeconomic status, marital status, and all other protected categories are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Proposal Requirements

Cover Letter: Provide a one-page cover letter (with name, snail/email address, phone number) explaining your interest in the Queens in Flight Local Art Program, and how your work as an artist will benefit from this program.
Artist Statement: Provide a statement of no more than five hundred words (2 pages or less) detailing your artistic journey, the themes you explore in your work, and how your artwork aligns with the purpose and goals of the Queens in Flight Local Art program.
CV/Resume: Provide a CV (if appropriate) or professional resume.
Portfolio: Submit up to 3 high-quality images of preexisting artworks for consideration for the program.

Submission Deadline

Submit all proposals by 3:00 p.m. EST on Friday, August 29, 2025, to Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), 161-4 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432. Late submissions will not be accepted.

All proposals must be submitted through Submittable at the following link: https://jcal.submittable.com/submit/331578/queens-in-flight-local-art-program-at-jfk-terminal-6