QUEER|ART|MENTORSHIP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are our Mentors?

Our Mentors are professionally-established queer artists working within one or more of the following artistic fields: Film, Literature, Performance, or Visual Art.

How do we choose Mentors?

Participation in Mentorship is by invitation. Each year, we aim to balance our Mentor cohort between new Mentors and returning Mentors. When recruiting Mentors each year, we take into account demographics, location, and what each can offer based on their experience and interest in artist development. 

How do we choose Fellows?

Mentors and Queer|Art staff participate in a panel review to select artists whose work and life reflect a thoughtful engagement with queer communities, stories, histories, politics, and/or aesthetics, and who demonstrate an earnest interest in and need for Mentorship. 

I’m applying in X discipline. What kind of work samples should I submit?

That’s up to you. What best represents your work?

For Performance, we generally suggest video documentation of a past performance if available. Audio files, photos, and text files are also welcome.

For Film, we generally suggest a video excerpt of a past work or a screenplay (up to 10 pages total).

For Literature, we generally suggest a writing sample (up to 10 pages to total).

For Visual Art, we generally suggest photo documentation, install shots, or scans of finished work. If you are a visual artist working in video, please submit a video excerpt. Audio files and text files are also welcome.

We recommend that your work samples in total take no more than 15 min to review.

How large is the applicant pool for Queer|Art|Mentorship?

In 2025, Queer|Art received a record high number of applications for Queer|Art|Mentorship. 605 applications were submitted and 12 fellows were selected to join the 2026 Mentorship cycle.

How do I submit my application?

You can submit part 1 of the application via Google Form here.  Applicants who meet the qualifications for the 2027 QAM cohort will be invited to submit a more thorough application through SlideRoom.

Why are there two parts to the application?

We recognize how much time and effort artists put into their applications. Given the relational and individualized qualities of what Queer|Art|Mentorship has to offer, we are introducing a two-part process in 2027 to ensure that the applicants invited to submit a more time-intensive application are strong matches for both the Mentors and the community-based QAM program.

What is SlideRoom?

SlideRoom is an online application software that we use to help us manage the volume of applications we receive for QAM each year. You can learn more about SlideRoom here.

Where do I send my work samples?

All work samples must be uploaded through SlideRoom.

Can I apply with multiple project proposals?

To streamline the application review process, we restrict applicants to one (1) project proposal. If you're torn between two or three projects that you'd pitch to different Mentors, go with the strongest one! Mentors do return from time to time, so definitely hold onto those other project ideas. 

How do I submit my letters of recommendation?

As of 2019, we have removed the requirement for applicants to submit two letters of recommendation along with their application. Instead, we require you submit two professional references (name, contact information, and their relationship to you). You'll find you can enter this information within your Slideroom application. 

What are the age restrictions?

There are no age restrictions for QAM, but we are looking for fellows who identify as early-career and are professionally focused, with a body of work already behind them.

I live outside of NYC, can I still apply?

Yes! QAM will accept applications from across the United States. Meetings will mostly take place remotely. If you and your Mentor live in the same area, you two may coordinate your meetings according to what works best for you both.

Can I apply after the application deadline?

No. We do not accept applications after the deadline has passed. Please try again next year.

We're applying as a pair, what are the reference requirements?

Each application is required to include two references. We suggest you ask recommenders who can speak to your work as a pair. If this is not possible, please submit one reference for each of you.

Where are the monthly Fellows meetings that I’m required to attend?

Monthly Fellows meetings will take place remotely over Zoom.

I’m submitting a YouTube or Vimeo link, but want it to be password protected.

We cannot accept links that are password protected. You can upload your videos directly to SlideRoom if you do not want them publicly available online.

Can the application fee be waived?

As of 2019, we have waived the $12 application fee for this program. It is now free for all to apply.

What’s a CV? What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?

A CV is a list of your accomplishments as an artist that includes your education, shows, publications, and awards. It does not include employment outside your art practice. For instructions on how to create a CV, with samples, visit: https://thepracticalartworld.com/2011/02/12/how-to-write-an-artists-cv-in-10-steps/.

For further questions about the application, work sample specifications, and other requirements please email Reya Sehgal, Programs Director  at reya@queer-art.org.