National competition invites U.S. college and university students to submit design and event proposals honoring the Stonewall legacy through art, activist history, and community storytelling.
NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC) is proud to announce the launch of its Stonewall Student Artist Residency (SSAR) program marked by its inaugural national call for proposals. The competition invites students from all accredited colleges and universities across the United States to submit physical design installations and community activation proposals that bring fresh, contemporary perspectives to the gay liberation movement, furthering Stonewall's enduring legacy of visibility, inclusion, and advocacy
Centering on the theme Honoring the Legacy: From Uprising to Preservation, the SSAR program encourages student artists to deeply engage with 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 residing within the SNMVC from June 2027 through May 2028.
"The Student Artist Residency is at the very heart of what the Visitor Center was created to achieve," said Ann Marie Gothard, Co-Founder, SNMVC. "It allows us to carry our core mission forward—protecting and preserving the legacy of Stonewall—by seeing it anew through the eyes of today's generation. These young artists aren't just reflecting on history; they are actively shaping how modern audiences connect with LGBTQ+ culture, resilience, and civil rights."
The residency builds upon a successful track record of impactful, student-led exhibitions hosted at the Visitor Center:
- Parsons School of Design (2024-Present): The inaugural student cohort presented "We(ave) Made History," an interactive exhibition uplifting modern LGBTQ+ experiences by inviting visitors to contribute written reflections through journal prompts. Initially conceived as a rotating installation, the project's profound emotional resonance led to its permanent placement. To date, it has collected over 18,000 journal entries from global visitors sharing what the Stonewall legacy means to them today.
- Parsons School of Design (2025-2026 Residency): Student artists debuted "Setting the Table," an immersive exhibition reimagining the traditional dinner table setting to highlight themes of chosen family and queer belonging. Following its successful year-long physical run, "Setting the Table" transitioned from the gallery space to a digital screen presentation.
- 2026 Current Exhibition: Ringling College of Art and Design was selected to present "Nothing New: Archives of Affection." Currently on display, this collection features 200 traveling tintype photographs that offer an intimate look into personal moments, subtle glances, and relationships historically omitted from mainstream records, preserving lives once lost in time.
Participating student applicants will be tasked with proposing a physical design installation for the SNMVC gallery along with an accompanying community event or public activation to engage visitors.
Residency Benefits & Award:
- $7,500 Funding: Awarded to the winning student or team to cover the design, fabrication, and installation costs of the exhibit.
- Travel & Accommodations: Travel and lodging support provided for the installation period (restrictions apply).
- National Exposure: High-profile promotional exposure through SNMVC platforms, press networks, and programming events.
Applications open this November. Full program guidelines, eligibility details, and submission requirements will be available on the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center official portal. https://stonewallvisitorcenter.org/stonewall-student-artist-residency/
About the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC), independently owned and operated by Pride Live and 100% donation-supported, is the first LGBTQ+ visitor center within the National Park Service (NPS). Located at 51 Christopher Street, the SNMVC opened on June 28, 2024, commemorating the 55th anniversary of the historic Stonewall Rebellion, a pivotal event in the pursuit of full LGBTQ+ equality. 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 two Queer women of color, Diana Rodriguez and Ann Marie Gothard, the SNMVC aims to protect and preserve the legacy of Stonewall, acting as a beacon for future generations.
Media Contact
Pride Live Media, Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, 1 212-355-6295, [email protected], https://stonewallvisitorcenter.org
SOURCE Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center
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