wherewithall (WWA) is currently accepting proposals for small-scale curatorial projects led by independent practitioners working in the Johannesburg contemporary art space.
In line with WWA’s mandate to support independent, experimental and DIY exhibition practices, proposals should demonstrate resourcefulness, collaboration and a genuine interest in, revising, countering or overturning institutional models of exhibition making in Johannesburg.
WWA encourages all applicants to visit the wherewithall website in order to get an understanding of the aims and focus of the organisation before submitting a proposal. Applicants should also bear in mind that these are small-scale projects that need to be realised within a tight time frame. Proposals will be evaluated on this basis.
Proposals for exhibitions held in established gallery spaces will not be accepted.
Each project should be led by between 1-3 practitioners (Project leaders) but can include work by any number of artists. Project leaders will be paid a fee of R 8 000 each, in addition to receiving R 8 000 towards project costs.
The WWA team will provide support to and oversight of all projects and access to WWA’s equipment library.
Background: wherewithall (WWA) is a project that responds to the critical shortage of exhibition opportunities for artists and curators in Johannesburg by providing the basic resources and support required to mount an exhibition independently. This is achieved through three key mechanisms: a library of equipment available for loan; the publishing of commissioned research into independent, experimental and DIY exhibition practices; and online tutorials and guides.
Drawing on a shared interest in supporting a more accessible, dynamic and experimental ecosystem in the arts, wherewithall cultivates inter-dependence and allyship and encourages sustainability and mutual support.
How to Apply
Proposals should consist of a single PDF document, no larger than 3MB, and include the following:
1. Project Title and Outline (300 words – maximum)
2. CV’s of Project Leaders
3. Budget Outline
Proposals can be emailed to info@wherewithall.org.za with the subject line: Curatorial Project – (Project Title)
Application deadline: 5 January 2023
Projects to be realised between 13 February and 31 March 2023.
Successful applicants will be contacted in January 2023. WWA will endeavour to inform all applicants of the outcomes but operates with a small team who will not be able to provide feedback where applications are unsuccessful.
This project is supported by the National Arts Council of South Africa as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (PESP).
