Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center Launches Student Artist Residency Program
News related to:Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center · 2 min read
NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC) has launched a groundbreaking new program aimed at engaging the next generation of artists and activists. The Stonewall Student Artist Residency (SSAR) program invites U.S. college and university students to submit design and event proposals that honor the legacy of the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
It encourages student artists to explore the history of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and its ongoing impact on civil rights, community building, and social justice for LGBTQ+ individuals. The winning proposal will be featured as a physical exhibit within the SNMVC, providing a platform for the next generation of artists to make their mark.
The SSAR program builds upon the success of previous student-led exhibitions hosted at the Visitor Center. For instance, the Parsons School of Design's 2024-present exhibition, "We(ave) Made History," has collected over 18,000 journal entries from visitors sharing what the Stonewall legacy means to them. Another notable exhibition, "Setting the Table," by the Parsons School of Design in 2025-2026, reimagined the traditional dinner table setting to highlight themes of chosen family and queer belonging.
The current exhibition, "Nothing New: Archives of Affection," by Ringling College of Art and Design, features 200 traveling tintype photographs that offer an intimate look into personal moments, subtle glances, and relationships historically omitted from mainstream records. This collection preserves lives once lost in time and continues to resonate with visitors.
The SSAR program offers substantial benefits for the selected student or team. The winner will receive $7,500 in funding to cover the design, fabrication, and installation costs of the exhibit. Additionally, travel and lodging support will be provided for the installation period. The winning proposal will also receive national exposure through SNMVC platforms, press networks, and programming events.
Applications for the SSAR program are open this November. Interested students can find full program guidelines, eligibility details, and submission requirements on the SNMVC's official portal at https://stonewallvisitorcenter.org/stonewall-student-artist-residency/.
The SNMVC, located at 51 Christopher Street, opened on June 28, 2024, commemorating the 55th anniversary of the historic Stonewall Rebellion. As the first LGBTQ+ visitor center within the National Park Service, the SNMVC serves as an educational resource, offering an immersive experience through in-person and virtual tours, lecture series, exhibitions, and visual arts displays. Founded by Diana Rodriguez and Ann Marie Gothard, the SNMVC aims to protect and preserve the legacy of Stonewall, acting as a beacon for future generations.