2026 Queens Borough Arts Festival - Visual Arts Exhibition

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Exhibition Dates: On view Wednesday, April 29 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Queens Museum

Opening Reception: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Submission Deadline: February 6, 2026 

Please note: Because of the festival timeline and earlier opening date, no submission extensions will be offered this year.

 

Eligibility

  • Open to Queens students in 3K–12th grade from Districts 24–30 and 75.
  • Each art teacher may submit up to two (2) applications, with one (1) artwork per application.     
  • If more than two applications are submitted, only the first two will be reviewed; additional submissions will not be considered.
  • Artworks do not have to come from the same class or grade level.
  • Artwork must represent the best student-created work from this academic year.
  • Please refer to the following Guidance Document to help decision-making regarding submission choices.
  • Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
  • Artwork submitted to this Festival must be different from work submitted to PS Art.
  • Each application must include student statements (50-word limit per question). Excerpts may be printed in the exhibition catalog.

 

Student Statement Prompts

Grades 3K–5

  1. What did you most enjoy about making this piece of art?
  2. What do you want people to think about or feel when they look at your artwork?

Grades 6–12

  1. How has being an artist made a difference in your life?
  2. What inspires you as an artist?
  3. What are you trying to communicate with your artwork?

 

Selection Process

  • A panel of art educators will adjudicate submissions.
  • Due to space limitations, not all schools are guaranteed representation.
  • The committee will make every effort to ensure balanced representation across Queens districts.
  • Teacher notifications will be sent by end of February 2026.

Key Dates:

  • Acceptances Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026
  • Artwork Collection: Monday, February 23 – Wednesday, March 11, 2026

 

Media & Size Requirements

2-D Artwork:   Must fit one of the following standard frame sizes:

  • 8" x 10"
  • 9" x 12"
  • 11" x 14"
  • 16" x 20"
  • 18" x 24"

3-D Artwork:

  • Must not exceed 20 lbs.

Film Submissions:

  • Films are accepted.
  • Maximum length: 5 minutes.
  • Must include:     
  • Title card at the beginning
  • End credits
  • Films may be uploaded directly in this application.

 

File Naming Convention:

  • Format: Grade Level (E, M, H)_Student Last Name_Title
  • Example: M_Barrios_Walk with Me

 

For Music or Performing Arts submissions: Please visit the 2026 Queens Borough Performing Arts Application.

 

Support & Contact

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