CURATORIAL FELLOWSHIP

Our Emerging Curator Fellowship is designed to provide new and aspiring curators with real world gallery and exhibition experience. This program is committed to discovering and nurturing emerging curatorial talent to showcase in our Galleries. We provide opportunities for independent and freelance curators to develop and present their projects in a real-world gallery setting. Through this fellowship, we aim to offer hands-on experience and exposure to industry tools, allowing curators to enhance their skills and broaden their networks.

The selected curators will be responsible for curating an exhibition to be showcased at our gallery for 8-12 weeks depending on proposal and program schedule. The exhibition should align with our tradition of supporting experimental and innovative projects. Fellows and their exhibition will also be featured in our seasonal Art Quarterly Catalog.

The fellowship will focus on providing curators with practical experience in project development, planning, and execution. They will collaborate closely with our team in developing their projects and ensuring they reach the intended audiences. Throughout the fellowship, curators will receive guidance and support in areas such as exhibition management, artist selection, project consultation, presentation assistance, budgeting guidance, marketing, promotion, and sales.

Eligibility: This fellowship is open to emerging to mid-career curators based in the regions local to our galleries. Curators with artistic practices should refrain from submitting their own work. Applicants are limited to one submission, and there is no submission fee. The application process is entirely online, and in-person submissions will not be accepted.

Application Guidelines: Curators interested in applying for the fellowship should submit a maximum one-page description of their curatorial proposal. Alongside the description, applicants should include 3-7 visuals representing their curatorial ideas, either as images or embedded web links. The panel may request additional materials at a later date.

Selection Process: Proposals will be evaluated based on inventiveness, artistic strength, feasibility, and relevance to our gallery's mission. The selected curators will be compensated with a stipend and sales commission. The gallery will provide curators the necessary financial, marketing, and technical support for their projects. Mentorship opportunities will be available for incubating and executing new projects.

Main Responsibilities Include: 

• Liaising with Artists; Exhibition Expectations, Artwork Requirements, Exhibit Contracts

• Exhibition Installation and Post Exhibition De-Installation

• Liaising with Shippers; Arrival and Return of Artwork

• Coordination of Artwork Return; In Person Pick Ups and/or Storage

• Generating/Updating Exhibition Budgets

• Responding to Internal Requests; Sales and Gallery Visits 

• Exhibition Upkeep/Maintenance of the Artworks 

• Creating Email and Social Media Marketing Campaigns

• Generating Press Releases

• Preparing and Facilitating Opening Reception

• Facilitating Sales, Collector/Buyer Communication and Artwork Delivery Logistics

How to APPLY

We are searching for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with a visionary approach to programming, possessing exceptional creative problem-solving skills. As a curator, this candidate must excel in communication and be a natural connector within the artist communities, both locally and regionally, as well as nationally. Demonstrating a profound understanding of contemporary art, artists, and curatorial practices is essential.

Attention to detail and organizational prowess are key attributes we seek, enabling the successful candidate to develop, refine, and flawlessly execute engaging exhibitions and diverse programming, all dedicated to supporting and involving the local community. Their passion for contemporary artists and commitment to our gallery's program will drive them to actively collaborate with our director, chief curators and partner organizations, fostering strong relationships to ensure the successful execution of exhibitions and enriching programs.

Interested Candidates must submit the following material:

• Their C.V. including basic biographical information, current and permanent addresses and telephone numbers, education, experience and interests 

• Letters of recommendation from three professional references

• A short statement of the candidate’s interest and intent in applying for the fellowship

• A concept proposal for at least one exhibition

• Indicate desired location; Ventura, Los Angeles, Austin or Mexico City (must reside locally to desired gallery)

Email the applicant information to Jim Kent, jimk@dabart.me