Program Overview
The Chicago Curatorial Seminar is a free professional development program for emerging curators. It focuses on advancing curatorial practices that support overlooked artists and engage with local art communities outside large institutions. This unique program provides knowledge and resources through ICI’s network, allowing participants to share ideas and develop their curatorial practices. The Seminar builds an affirming network of peers who connect around common values and share knowledge among early-career curators.
The 2024 Chicago Seminar will include 6-8 Chicago-based BIPOC curators over eight sessions from September 14 to December 21. Participants will engage in discussions led by ICI staff, guest curators, artists, and other arts professionals. Activities will include shared reading and site visits at The Floating Museum, The Neubauer Collegium, Tala, and Sixty Inches from Center. Each participant will receive two individual advisement sessions with mentors chosen during the introductory meeting. Throughout the Seminar, participants will workshop a proposal for an exhibition or project, starting with a short presentation in the first seminar and receiving feedback from mentors and peers. In the final session, participants will present their final proposals to the cohort and a panel of invited guests.
Eligibility
This opportunity is available to BIPOC curators based in the Chicago Metropolitan Area with five years of experience or less. Applicants should not be enrolled in an academic program during the Seminar.
Application Guidelines
Applications must be submitted through ICI’s application portal by August 23, 2024, 11:59 pm CST. For questions, contact Scott Vincent Campbell, Midwest Programs Manager, at scott@curatorsintl.org. Application materials include:
- Description of project idea (500 words max)
- Statement of intent (500 words max)
- Bio outlining relevant experience (250 words max)
- CV (uploaded as an attachment)
The Chicago Curatorial Seminar is supported by the Joyce Foundation and the Teiger Foundation.
