Since its inception in 2003 under the guiding vision of Suzanne Fiol (1960-2009), ISSUE’s programming has demonstrated a commitment to expanding the boundaries of artistic practice. Suzanne was an extraordinary spirit, a force of nature and a prominent figure in the visual and performing arts worlds as both an artist and curator.
ISSUE is proud to honor Suzanne and her vision by sharing an opportunity that supports ongoing performance and curatorial work that advances artistic discourse. Now entering its sixth year, the Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship provides a platform and support structure for the development and presentation of a series of events across the course of a year.
The Fellowship supports an emerging curator who demonstrates an ability to utilize the opportunity to realize ambitious new projects that will significantly transform their own practice and move their work in new directions. The Curatorial Fellow is provided a $3,000 stipend in addition to financial, marketing, and technical support for programs, as well as mentorship for the incubation and execution of new projects.
The Curatorial Fellow will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of ISSUE’s Artistic Advisory Board members and current ISSUE curators. Applicants are evaluated upon the inventiveness, artistic strength, feasibility, and relevance of individual projects to ISSUE’s broader mission. Applicants should focus on articulating how the fellowship can assist the development and evolution of the curator’s creative practice.
Curatorial Fellows are provided:
– a $3,000 stipend;
– an ISSUE funded budget of $10,000 to produce three public programs;
– free access to rehearsal space at one of ISSUE’s partner venues in advance of each program;
– access to ISSUE’s extensive archive;
– curatorial, marketing, and technical support for the duration of the Fellowship as well as mentorship for the incubation and execution of new projects;
– Professional development opportunities, such as technical training and support with grant writing may be available pending interest; and
– free access to all ISSUE programs over the course of the residency year.
In addition to the guaranteed stipend and ISSUE’s technical inventory, resources the applicant believes are needed should be articulated in the proposal. The opportunity to allocate additional resources towards specific presentations will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis in dialogue with ISSUE’s staff.
Over the past decade, ISSUE’s programs predominantly have taken place at 22 Boerum Place theater in Downtown Brooklyn. However, due to renovation of this theater, building access is limited during 2024. ISSUE will work with the curatorial fellow to identify alternate spaces to develop and present work that fulfill the intention of their projects. Applicants should articulate in their project proposals the nature of the space/s they wish to rehearse and, if known, define preferred performance spaces for public presentations. ISSUE will do their best within their resources to find the most appropriate spaces for the work.
The impact of the covid-19 pandemic has been profoundly felt by all, with material impact felt by artists that ISSUE serves. ISSUE is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our artists, audiences, staff, and surrounding community. Given the impact of covid-19 on New York City and our community, ISSUE postponed in-person events March 2020 through July 2021. While they very much hope the impact will be minimized during the term of the Fellowship in 2024, there may be factors outside of ISSUE’s control. As such, they encourage applicants to consider the potential effect of the potential impact of the pandemic on their proposals and in recognizing a flexible approach to the presentation of the proposed programs.
Please direct any clarifying questions regarding the application to curatorial@issueprojectroom.org. Applicants are asked to refrain from direct outreach to curators, panelists, or ISSUE staff.
An online informational session will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 12:00 noon EST. Details of the session will be provided with the application.
They encourage applicants to view information about the 2023 SFCF evil dentist and to engage with their upcoming event taking place on the evening of June 29th.
Applicants can also explore work by recent Curatorial Fellows including: Theodore Kerr (2022), Sami Hopkins (2021), Leyya Tawil (2020), Benedict Nguyen (2019), Queer Trash (2018) and DeForrest Brown Jr. (2017). All programs are archived and ISSUE’s website is a wonderful resource for you to view SFCF programs.
Applications are to be received (via email sent to: curatorial@issueprojectroom.org) no later than 12 o’clock noon (EST) on Friday July 14th, 2023 with notifications sent by Friday September 1st, 2023.
