Emerging Curators Program 2023-2024: Call for Curatorial Proposals

IMPORTANT DATES

Proposal Deadline: February 11, 2023 @ 11:59PM PST
Notification Date: February 17, 2023
Initial Orientation - February 28, 2023
Welcome Reception & Check-in: Early August (exact date TBD)
Workshop Dates: August 26-27, 2023

EXHIBITION VENUE & DATES

Venue will be located in the San Francisco Bay Area (exact location TBD) and will take place in Spring 2024 (exact dates TBD)

PROGRAM MxNTORS

Melanie Elvena, Arts Producer, Curator, & AAWAA Programs Manager (Director of United States of Asian America Festival 2015-present, Holy Trinity 2018) 

Diana Li, Artist, Arts Organizer, Curator & Exhibition Manager (Sowing Agency 2021, Agrarianaa 2019, Appendix 2016)

Cat Lauigan, Art Preparator, Curator, Producer, & AAWAA Exhibition Coordinator (co-founder of Cone Shaped Top)

Michelle A. Lee, Interdisciplinary Artist & Curator (Agrarianaa 2019, Shifting Movements 2017, Eating Cultures 2013)

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 11, 2023 @ 11:59PM PST

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

AAWAA is currently accepting curatorial exhibition proposals for its Emerging Curators Program (ECP) which will culminate in one (1) public multidisciplinary art exhibits at community spaces in the SF Bay Area in Spring 2024. Through a series of guided workshops, consistent check-ins, and hands-on assistance, AAWAA provides mentorship and support for exhibition production from start to finish.

Designed to remove barriers to entry for would-be curators, and increase exhibition opportunities for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) women-identified, trans, and nonbinary artists, the Emerging Curators Program is open to all women, trans, and nonbinary curators of color who are interested in curating exhibition themes relevant to AAPI artists. We welcome proposals from artists and curators with little or no experience.

ECP began in 2011 when AAWAA was offered an alternative exhibition space at a local art supply store. The program has grown into a fellowship that has 15 graduates and has produced 12 total art exhibitions.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • $5,000 Curatorial Fee

  • Professional development workshops on Curating, Fundraising, Exhibition Planning, and Marketing/PR Mentors

  • Additional Budget for other fees associated with related costs for the exhibition such as Exhibiting Artists Fees, PR/Marketing, Graphic Design, Documentation, Venue Rental, Exhibition Supplies, etc.)

  • Direct mxntorship from AAWAA Staff and other arts professionals

  • Hands-on curatorial and exhibition production experience

  • Direct Access and networking opportunities with AAWAA’s network of 200+ AAPI womxn-identied artists in the SF Bay Area and beyond

ELIGIBILITY

  • All women-identified, trans, and nonbinary curators of color who are interested in curating an exhibition with  themes relevant to AAPI artists.

  • Teams with 2 or more people are welcome to apply (stipend will be divided equally among team members).

  • The majority of artworks/artworks included in the proposal should be by AAPI artists.

  • Curators must be able to attend the scheduled workshops on August 26-27, and commit to regular (bi-weekly and weekly check-ins) with mentors

  • Those with 5 years or less experience in the curatorial field are considered emerging curators

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • A short biography (250 words max) or submit a resume

  • Description of arts and curatorial experiences in the following: Exhibition Design, Event Planning, Community Building, Marketing (PR, Graphic Design, Social Media Planning, etc.), Fundraising (Crowdfunding, Grants, Outreach, etc.), and different artistic disciplines (Painting, poetry, film/video, music, etc.)

  • A curatorial proposal highlighting key ideas, themes, and aesthetic vision for an exhibition with a majority of its artworks to be by AAPI womxn-identified, trans, and nonbinary artists (300-500 words)

  • Participation Commitment to participate in all ECP workshops (August 26-27), exhibition installation, opening reception, and deinstallation (schedule flexible)

Optional (but highly recommended):

  • A list of artists proposed for the exhibition

  • Up to 6 images/videos/files of artwork to be included in the exhibition

ECP SELECTION PROCESS

The AAWAA ECP Committee will review all submitted proposals. Proposals will be judged primarily on the strength and clarity of curatorial concepts, quality of proposed artwork (if applicable), and feasibility of successful execution (space/time limitations, etc.) Curators can be located anywhere but we will prioritize those who can be physically present for site visits, install/deinstall, and all gallery events. One (1) exhibition proposal will be chosen. AAWAA may also conduct an interview process to make sure this mentorship program is an appropriate fit for the applicant.

For more info about ECP, please visit www.aawaa.net/ecp. Need more info? Email Program Manager, Melanie Elvena, at melanie@aawaa.net with questions.

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