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. In an effort to expand the network of artists who comprise our community and further develop the peer-sharing resources of the program, Queer|Art welcomes recommendations for new Mentors from individuals who have been part of the program in previous years.
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. To ensure a well-balanced overall Fellowship and Mentorship group, we invite the input of professional curators, academics, artistic directors, editors, and presenters throughout the country. We also invite alumni of the program to recommend applicants for further consideration.
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.
How large is the applicant pool for Queer|Art|Mentorship?
In 2020, Queer|Art received a record high number of applications for Queer|Art|Mentorship. 323 applications were submitted and 10 fellows were selected to join the 2020-2021 Mentorship cycle.
How do I submit my application?
You will receive a link to the QAM SlideRoom application after you submit your Intent to apply. You can work on your application and save changes in draft form before submitting. The link to apply through SlideRoom is here.
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 unfortunately 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! The 2022 QAM cycle 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 letter 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 application, work sample specifications, and other requirements please email Programs & Operations Director, Rio Sofia at rsofia@queer-art.org.