CALL FOR CURATORS
Curator-in-Residence Program Accepting Applicants
Portland, Oregon-based Disjecta Contemporary Art Center is accepting proposals for a Curator-in-Residence for its 2022-2023 exhibition season.
Disjecta houses an expansive exhibition space for the presentation of visual arts at the regional, national and international level that speaks to the region’s diverse interests, talents and identities.
The Curator-in-Residence program provides an opportunity for emerging curatorial talent to develop and expand the scope of their practice through a one-year residency. Rotated on an annual cycle, the program seeks to provide a nationally recognized curatorial opportunity in the underserved state of Oregon, to stimulate significant contemporary discourse that is able to cross disciplines, to engage new artists and patrons, and to raise the visibility of Portland’s art scene. Curators engage with a broad range of artists to create a series of exhibitions in Disjecta’s dynamic 3,500-square-foot space.
Throughout the season (Summer 2022 through Spring 2023) the Curator-in-Residence will organize four exhibitions. The nature of Disjecta’s exhibition space and mission facilitate contemporary work that is large scale, installation-based, specific to the site, or project-based—though these should not be considered limitations. Disjecta encourages artists and guest curators to challenge themselves and viewers, to take intelligent risks, and to expand definitions of disciplines.
Disjecta Curators-in-Residence include: Lucy Cotter (2020-21), Justin Hoover (2019-20), Suzy Halajian (2018-19), Julia Greenway (2017-18), Michele Fiedler (2016-17), Chiara Giovando (2015-16), Rachel Adams (2014-15), Summer Guthery (2013-14), Josephine Zarkovich (2012-13), and Jenene Nagy (2011-12).
ABOUT DISJECTA
Disjecta Contemporary Art Center builds ambitious programs that promote artists and engage communities by providing a catalytic platform for forward-thinking work by visual and performing artists. Dynamic programs showcase new ideas and engage new audiences while fueling collaborations between artists, curators, and viewers to impact and intervene in the larger contemporary arts dialogue. Disjecta exacts equal rigor from local and national artists, while recognizing and supporting the talent of the region.
In 2010 Disjecta became a non-profit 501(c)3 art organization, after years of hosting art and events at spaces throughout Portland. We began the two major mission programs – the Portland Biennial and our annual season of exhibitions by Curators-in-Residence.
The Curator-in-Residence program is the first of its kind in the region. Curators have used the CiR and Portland Biennial programs to further their careers, going on to work in galleries and museums such as:
·Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles
·The Studio Museum in Harlem
·Anderson Ranch Arts Center
·University at Buffalo Art Galleries
·Linfield Gallery at Linfield College
·as well as founding their own organizations
JOB DESCRIPTION
Scope of Work
- Solicit and select artists for four exhibitions from Summer 2022 to Spring 2023 (one or more exhibitions must emphasize regional Pacific Northwest artists).
- In collaboration with Disjecta staff, oversee exhibition planning, manage and stay within budgets for each exhibition (budgets include honorariums and exhibition production costs), and coordinate artists schedules for installation and events.
- Write and speak about the artists’ work for a variety of audiences including those knowledgeable in contemporary art and those new to it. Be able to convey key messages about artists’ work and exhibitions to Disjecta staff for media materials, and varied group events and tours.
- Assist in planning and attend opening receptions, group tours/curator talks, artist talks, performances, and workshops with exhibiting artists. Each exhibition should have three or more events or programs for the public.
- Communicate the mission and goals of Disjecta while bringing a unique curatorial vision to the program.
- Prepare exhibition models and sketches as required.
- Participate in fundraising duties as needed or assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum three years curatorial experience. Graduate-level education in curatorial studies or a related field is preferred but not required.
- Awareness of contemporary arts issues, practices and artists. A clear and distinct curatorial vision that is consistent with Disjecta’s mission.
- Knowledge of or willingness to become familiar with regional contemporary art.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team within a larger arts organization.
- Ability to organize and communicate messages effectively through writing and public presentation to different audiences.
- Ability to manage large exhibitions, stay within budgets, and meet deadlines.
Financial Considerations
Curatorial stipend is $8,000with limited travel stipends available for curators and artists. Please note, it is not a requirement that the curator reside in Portland for the duration of the program; however travel will be a necessity and candidates must be able to demonstrate flexibility of schedule.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Proposals are due to Disjecta by May 18, 2021 5pm PST. All applications must be sent via email to Dustin Williams at info@disjecta.org. The subject line must read: Curator-in-Residence 2022-23 Application. Qualified candidates will be contacted in August 2021. No phone calls please. Please include the following:
- Curatorial statement and vision for the Disjecta Curator-in-Residence Program.
- Professional resume.
- Examples of past curatorial work, including images and critical reviews.
- Two writing samples for different audiences (ex. academic/art groups, a broader audience new to art).
- Three professional references.
