Organizer Information

Founded in 1972, the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is a major multidisciplinary arts organization based in Southeast Queens, New York. JCAL operates across two landmark historic venues in downtown Jamaica: the Jamaica Arts Center and the 400-seat Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC). Committed to civic engagement, cultural equity, and artistic excellence, JCAL offers accessible community programming, exhibitions, and performance opportunities that center underrepresented voices and "super-serve" the diverse populations of Queens.

Title & Description

WHM 2027: Strength Courage & Wisdom — Call for Women-Identifying Performance Artists

JCAL has issued its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2027 edition of Strength Courage & Wisdom, an annual signature event celebrating Women's History Month. Conceived in 2024 and curated by JCAL Director of Program Operations Wendy Arimah Berot, the showcase amplifies the power, diversity, and sustaining energy of female creative expression. For the 2027 iteration, artists are invited to respond to the central theme of reclaiming peace and joy—exploring how they create and maintain personal peace and joy amidst contemporary social pressures. Selected artists will perform live at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 27, 2027.

Categories

The call is open strictly to Performance Arts, specifically Spoken Word, Poetry, Storytelling, Dance, and Music.

(Note: Visual arts submissions are not accepted for this initiative).

Eligibility

  • Gender Identity: Open to women-identifying artists.
  • Geographic Residency: Current residents of the NYC Metropolitan Area (including Long Island). Selection priority is given to residents of Southeast Queens and the broader borough of Queens.
  • Act Format: Open to Solo Artists and Duos ONLY. Groups, collectives, or large ensembles will not be considered.
  • Age Benchmark: Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Submission Volume: Strictly one application per artist.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Performance Stipend: $250 USD stipend awarded to selected artists/duos.
  • Live Showcase Platform: Featured live performance during the Women’s History Month event on Saturday, March 27, 2027 (8:00 PM), at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC).
  • Technical & Production Support: Full front-of-house, backstage, and technical support provided by JCAL.

Application Fee

Participation in the open call is 100% free of charge ($0 application fee).

    How to Apply

    Submit your application package online through JCAL's Submittable portal.

    Key Dates

    • RFP Submission Window Opens: August 28, 2026
    • Application Submission Deadline: October 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
    • Live Event Date: Saturday, March 27, 2027, at 8:00 PM EDT

    Location

    The live showcase performance takes place in person at:

    • Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, Queens, NY 11432, USA

    Additional Details

    Submissions are evaluated on quality, cohesiveness, and thematic alignment. JCAL does not provide application feedback. For venue specifications or general organization details, contact programs@jcal.org.

    Website Link: JCAL Official Platform