The 8th Annual AnkhLave Garden Project Fellowship - Queens Botanical Garden

6 BIPOC artists based in NYC will be selected to participate in a year-long fellowship that will be awarded:

• Participation in a Public Art Exhibition on the grounds of Queens Botanical Garden (QBC), Summer/ Fall, 2026
• Two-month Art Residency on Governors Island between May 1st and June 30th at the AnkhLave House to create their work followed by the public art exhibition at QBC
• $1,000 Stipend
• Participation in the 3rd AnkhLave Biennial, taking place in an Indoor Gallery, Spring 2028.
• Alumni Network Benefits including eligibility for other AnkhLave opportunities including the Public Artist in Residence and Curator in Residence Programs.

CURATORIAL OBJECTIVE: Contribute to the public dialogue surrounding the idea and interest in public art rooted in academic research. Highlight and provide an opportunity for artists who produce work utilizing the intellectual contributions of various academic disciplines.

EXHIBITION CONCEPT: Historically, art has found space to exist within, and alongside, every conceivable field of study. From mathematical modelings to philosophical literatures, the brilliant colors and structural lines of art have been used to help interpret intellectual concepts since the dawn of time.

The AnkhLave Arts Alliance 2026 Garden Project Fellowship aims to showcase artists who use various and specific forms of research and academia to create vibrant, bold large sculptures and public art installations. Proposed artworks should stand out in color and context against the beautifully lush green grounds of Queens Botanical Garden, while maintaining a relationship to the artist’s research process.

Accepted fellows will participate in monthly meetings which will set their project up for success. This includes proposal presentations to the cohort, critiques, feedback from visiting arts professionals among other scheduled meetings.

Requirements

IDEAS TO CONSIDER/POINTS OF INTEREST TO EXPLORE:
Immigration / Migration
Indigenous Cultures of NYC
Indigenous Cultures Native to the Artist
Pop Culture, Entertainment Influences within BIPOC Communities
Education Through Art
Cultural Connections
Bridging the Boroughs
Flora & Fauna native to NYC
Flora & Fauna native to a place of the artist’s origin
The relationship between nature and cityscapes
Ecological Advocacy
Novel approaches not listed are also considered

MATERIALS/MEDIUMS:
Metals: bronze, steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, mixed metals
Stone & Concrete: marble, granite, limestone, cast concrete, terrazzo
Wood & Natural Materials: hardwood, reclaimed wood, bamboo, driftwood, other natural fibers
Glass & Ceramics: blown glass, fused glass, porcelain, clay
Plastics & Synthetic Materials: acrylic, resin, fiberglass, polymer clay, PVC
Bioplastics
Recycled / Found Objects: upcycled materials, scrap metal, salvaged wood, industrial debris
Weather Durable Textiles / Soft Sculpture: ropes, fabrics, felt, fiber art, mixed media textiles
Light / Projection / Digital: LED, neon, projection mapping, interactive screens, holographic elements
Mixed Media / Hybrid Materials: combinations of traditional and unconventional materials

DISCIPLINES/APPROACHES:
Traditional Sculpture: carving, casting, modeling, assembling
Kinetic / Moving Sculpture: wind-driven, motorized, or mechanically animated works
Environmental / Site-Specific: earthworks, land art, installations integrated with surroundings
Interactive / Participatory: works that invite public engagement or interaction
Conceptual / New Media Sculpture: digitally fabricated pieces, 3D-printed works, augmented reality
Performative or Temporary Installations: ephemeral or changeable public works
Multidisciplinary Approaches also accepted

There will be a range of ages in attendance so works should consider the audience of QBC. Proposals should be family friendly. No nudity, depiction of violence, profanity.

Application Instructions

Email questions to admin@ankhlave.org
Application Fee: $10 payable by PayPal