Student Curatorial propoSal guide
Building BodieS of Work
The Department of Exhibition and Performance Spaces is dedicated to the College’s mission to develop and showcase students’ bodies of work by providing hands-on experience with with all aspects of the exhibtion process. Students can submit artwork for exhibitions, assist with gallery installation, work with visiting artists, attend workshops and panel discussions, apply for employment opportunties and curate exhibitions. Curating exhibitions is a learning experience that provides students the opportunity to develop their curatorial voice through the process of soliciting and choosing artwork to communicate their vision. It provides a unique perspective into the exhibition planning process and allows students to take charge of everything from artists, media, and aesthetics to content, theme and design. The process for proposing an exhibition is demanding but rewarding. To assist with the proposal process, D.E.P.S. offers a Student Curator Workshop every February (check website for next scheduled workshop).
guidelineS for the propoSal proCeSS Be Committed
Before beginning the proposal process, students should consider whether they can commit the time it takes to see an exhibition through to its completion (read through the Exhibition Proposal Packet). In addition to preparing the proposal, students need to be involved in the process of soliciting and selecting work, jurying work if necessary, ensuring the delivery of work, asssiting with the lay-out of the gallery, preparing informational copy to use for marketing the exhibition, assisting with the exhibition installation, attending the opening reception and overseeing the de-installation of the gallery.
Be organized
Read the proposal instructions and application thoroughly. Be aware of the two seasonal deadlines for the acceptance of exhibition proposals and the proposal process (fall and spring). Complete all relevant forms thoroughly and neatly. Submit supplemental materials according to the guidelines. Students complete the same proposal packet as professional curators so that professional practices can be developed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Be flexiBle
Remember that the proposal is the preliminary step in planning an exhibition and will evlolve from the original concept. D.E.P.S. and the Curatorial Board may suggest an alternative gallery venue or an alternative date depending on available openings in the exhibition calendar. The Board might also request additional information, further development of an idea, or additional means to connect the exhibition to students and the College. Gallery staff works with all curators to develop exhibitions within the department’s mission, while respecting the curator’s creative vision.
guidelineS for propoSal inStruCtion Be SpeCifiC
When presenting the exhibition proposal, be specific. A proposal should not be based upon an idea that is too broad or to general. Avoid using an art medium or a broad art, social, or political movement as the curatorial idea. Expand the topic to explore how the exhibition will present the work from a different or unique perspective. Research the topic to see how it has been exhibited in the past. How will your exhibition be different?
ChooSe a Captivating title
The prospective exhibition needs an attention-grabbing title that reflects its central concept. It should be descriptive
and intrigue your audience.
knoW the audienCe
The audience is not exclusively Columbia students. Think about students, faculty, staff, the Chicago art community, special interest groups and demographic populations. Consider how the exhibition may complement and cultivate Columbia’s diversity.
expreSS a point of vieW
Each curator has a unique perspective and background that will influence the exhibition. Explain to the Board what makes this exhibition unique. Be positive and convincing - sell the curatorial proposal to the board.
ChooSe the Work
There are two primary ways to choose work for an exhibition. The exhibition can be a combination of the following: Curated: The artists and the work are hand-picked before the exhibition by the curator. Juried: The work is gathered through an open call through invitation, but is chosen for exhibition by a panel. If the work will be curated, include samples of the artists’ work to give the Curatorial Board a visual idea of what the show will look like. If the exhibition will be juried, explain how the work will be collected and who is elgible to submit work (students, Columbia community, Chicago Community, etc.).
ConSider the SpaCe
Visit all of the galleries to determine which gallery is most appropriate for the exhibition. Visualize the proposed artwork in the space. Visualize how the pieces may work together. If possible, sketch a rough layout using the provided gallery floor plans as a guide.
SuBmit exampleS of Work
Follow the guidelines for submission carefully. Remember that examples can be submitted and that images of the actual work for the exhibition do not have to be submited.
reSume
The proposal packet must include either a curator resume or information about the sumbitting group. When submitting a resume, target the resume towards the goal of curating an exhibition. Make previous experience and skills relevant to the application. Include work experience, community involvment, previous exhibitions, project completion and any other information that proves dedication and experience. A short biographical essay can also be included. When submtting a proposal with a partner or group, provide information about the proposing entity. What is the commonality? How long has the partnership/group been together? How did the group form? How does the group make decisions and divide responsibilities? Who is the contact person of the group? Also, if the group is working with a faculty advisor, explain the advisor’s background and qualifications.
for aSSiStanCe With the propoSal proCeSS, pleaSe ContaCt:
Neysa Page-Lieberman, Director of D.E.P.S. 312.369.7696 npage-lieberman@colum.edu