A horizontal view of the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Photo by Paulina Albarracin
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A Queens park is once again becoming a canvas for local artisans.
On Tuesday, March 24, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) and the Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park announced that applications are now open for a public art initiative in its seventh year. New York City-based artists are invited to apply for a chance to receive one of two $10,000 awards to create artwork at designated park locations.
The grant, entitled “Art in the Parks: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park Grant 2026,” supports the construction of two site-responsive art pieces that will “help transform these sites into art destinations through a series of rotating exhibitions,” according to the website. The purpose of the installations is not only to build a community through art, but also to improve accessibility to expressive initiatives in the World’s Borough.
An art installation, entitled “BUMPERMAN,” by Annalisa Iadicicco, one of the 2024 Award Winners. Photo by NYC Parks
“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is one of New York City’s great treasures — a place where millions of New Yorkers come together to celebrate, connect, and find joy in the outdoors,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura in a press release. “Public art has the power to deepen that experience, sparking curiosity and conversation in spaces that belong to everyone. This grant was designed to support local artists who will bring fresh, inspired work to this beloved park and ensure that world-class art is accessible to every New Yorker, no matter their ZIP code.”
The beloved initiative presents a unique opportunity for local visionaries to exhibit their work outside traditional galleries. The notion of public art lessens the exclusivity of visual arts and better reflects the borough’s creative diversity.
An art installation, entitled “What is the Opposite of a Black Hole?” by Drew Seskunas, one of the 2024 Award Winners. Photo by NYC Parks
“Art in the Parks is one of my favorite programs that the Alliance for FMCP supports,” said Director of Programming for Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park Rob Carson. “It is deeply rewarding to see the vast pool of talent amongst our local New York City artists and to see the great things they go on to do after making their mark in our park. Initiatives like this are what make Flushing Meadows Corona Park a living, breathing hub for arts and culture that connects the present to its storied past.”
Please note that while New York City-based artists are eligible to apply, preference is given to applicants who work or live in Queens. In addition, the applicants must be at an early or mid-career stage, with specialized training in their respective field, and have released independent works of art. Previously exhibited sculptures will not be accepted in the application process.
One of the art installations, entitled “Visitors from an Inconveniently Placed Portal,” by Dakota Gerhart, one of the 2025 Award Winners. Photo by NYC Parks
According to the website, the first selected artist will have their work showcased at David Dinkins Circle, a circular plaza near the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The second selected artist will exhibit their piece in one of the following potential locations (more locations may be considered):
Meridian Road and Meadow Lake Road – West Entrance
Roosevelt Avenue Entrance
111th Street at 49th Avenue Entrance
111th Street at 55th Avenue Entrance
College Point Boulevard and 58th Road Entrance
Corona Avenue and Horace Harding Expressway Entrance
Lawns around Meadow Lake
The artworks will be installed in October 2026 and remain for public viewing for up to one year. The recipients will be determined by a committee of art professionals, NYC Parks representatives and community members. The applications are evaluated based on “artistic and creative merit, responsiveness to the surrounding community and suitability to the site,” according to a press release. NYC Parks will also assist the recipients with logistics, including permitting and site specifications.
The proposal deadline is Sunday, April 5. The award recipients will be announced in May.
All proposals must be submitted as a single PDF to NYC Parks Art & Antiquities at artandantiquities@parks.nyc.gov with “Alliance for Flushing Meadows Grant” in the subject line. The application materials must include a resume, an artist statement, a detailed description of the proposed sculpture, representative renderings or images, a list of materials and dimensions, installation and maintenance recommendations, a proposed budget, two professional references and five to six images of previous work.
One of the art installations, entitled “Orogeny,” by the Queens Lighting Collective, one of the 2025 Award Winners. Photo by NYC Parks
For more information on the Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the previous award winners, visit their website.