Create & Reflect

OVERVIEW

The Laundromat Project’s Create & Reflect program invites visual artists to propose a 2D design for a vinyl installation that will be displayed for one year on the ground-level window of our storefront location at 1476 Fulton Street in Bed-Stuy.

For the 2025 cycle selection process, trusted stakeholders and arts organizations will nominate artists for consideration. The Laundromat Project will directly invite select artists to submit a proposal through our online application portal. 

We seek proposals for 2D visual works that celebrate our local community of neighbors and small businesses. In alignment with this year’s programmatic theme, we are interested in proposals that creatively use the storefront window to explore interpretations of Black Quantum Futurism—a framework grounded in the work of Moor Mother and Rasheedah Phillips that merges Afrocentric understandings of time, space, and reality with the urgency of liberatory action. 

Additionally, the selected artist will facilitate four public programs that align with The LP’s Liberation Series programming, which runs from September to December 2025. The selected artist will be awarded $4,000 USD for their participation. 

The commissioned artist’s work will be promoted through a strategic campaign, which will include an interview to be published on our website and across social media. Additionally, we will provide and print materials of the commissioned work for the artist’s portfolio. 

Create & Reflect Quick Specs

KEY DATES

Applications Open

Applications Close

Review Process

Selection Notification

Window Installation

Public Programming

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Thursday, May 1, 2025

May 1 – May 30, 2025

June 2025

August 2025

September – December 2025

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants

Individual artists (at least 18 years of age) and artist collectives based in New York City that have been nominated by LP-designated organizations are eligible to apply. Proposals must be responsive to or center the Bed-Stuy neighborhood and its communities, as this is an expressed purpose of the program. Therefore, we will prioritize:

Review Process 

Applications are due on April 30, 2025, and will be reviewed by a panel of The Laundromat Project staff throughout May. Finalists will be notified in mid-May 2025 and offered a small stipend to provide a more detailed proposal of their artwork.


Eligible proposals must include:

Types of Ineligible Proposals:

FAQs

ELIGIBILITY

What is the nomination process?

The Laundromat Project will identify and directly reach out to key community stakeholders, partner organizations, and cultural leaders to participate in this nomination process. Each organization can nominate 1-2 artists who align with The LP’s values and have a strong connection to social justice and community engagement in their practice. 

The Laundromat Project will review nominations and then invite selected artists via direct email to submit applications through our online application portal in Submittable.

When will my application be reviewed?

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Laundromat Project staff from Thursday, May 1 to Friday, May 30, 2025. Finalists will be notified in mid-May 2025 and offered a small stipend for providing a more detailed proposal of their artwork.

THE APPLICATION

What is Black Quantum Futurism?

Black Quantum Futurism is a framework that merges Afrocentric understandings of time, space, and reality with the urgency of liberatory action. This theme is inspired by the visionary work of Moor Mother and Rasheedah Phillips, whose philosophy boldly reclaims time as a tool of liberation, subverting its historical use as an instrument of oppression. At its heart, Black Quantum Futurism challenges linear, Eurocentric conceptions of time and embraces cyclical, interactive notions rooted in African and diasporic traditions—where past, present, and future are intrinsically connected. This philosophy calls us to not only imagine but to actively shape the futures we desire, collapsing the boundaries of space and time to manifest realities of equity, joy, and sovereignty for our communities.

The application asks for a “sketch” of the proposed artwork. What does that mean?

The application requires you to upload a digital illustration of the artwork (the documentation does not need to be hi-res; you can upload a clear photo taken with your cell phone). Your proposal can be a 2D composition or a digital piece. If you are selected as a finalist, we’ll need a fully digitized piece in Vector file format. We will provide guidelines on file requirements and resources on how to produce this if your proposal advances.

Does my proposal have to be a new work or one that I have not exhibited before?

No, your artwork can be a piece that has been exhibited before.

Can I submit more than one application?

Applicants may submit only one application that includes a single proposed design for the vinyl installation. If you have more than one design proposal, please choose the one you feel most closely aligns with the theme.

Applicants applying on behalf of a collective or group should select one member to submit an application for review. 

Can I assist someone in the completion of their application?

Yes. Please be aware that communications regarding the status of the application will be sent to the email address associated with the Submittable account. Please make sure to create a Submittable account for the individual you are assisting.

NOTIFICATIONS

How long will the online application process remain open?

Applications will be accepted from Tuesday, April 1, until Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 11:59 PM ET. All applications submitted prior to the deadline will be read and reviewed in the order they are received.

When will I receive confirmation that my application was received?

You will receive an automated email response from Submittable confirming your application was received.

If I start an online application through The LP’s submission manager (Submittable), can I save it and submit it later?

Yes, but we encourage you to save it often in case of internet or technical difficulties. You can also draft your responses in a separate document and then copy and paste them onto Submittable when you are ready to submit.

How will I be notified?

You will be notified via the email you provided in your application.

When will I be notified?

We will send notifications indicating if proposals were accepted or declined by early June 2025.

DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS 

How will funds be disbursed?

The artist honorarium is $4,000 USD, payable by Check, PayPal, or ACH bank transfer.

Will I have to coordinate or pay the cost for the production or installation of the work?

No. The Laundromat Project will coordinate and pay for the production and installation of the selected work. 

How long will it take for me to receive the artist honorarium after I’ve been notified of acceptance?

Funds typically take up to 1 month to be received. Their disbursement follows notification that you have been selected for commission and the timely return of any requested forms or contracts. 

If I am awarded the commission, would I have to pay tax on the award?

Yes. This award is considered taxable income; please consult with a tax professional if you need guidance through this process. 

FURTHER QUESTIONS

If you have further questions or need support with the nomination form and/or application, please email us at [email protected] and a staff member at The LP will assist you.