Rough Gems 2027 Curatorial Open Call at Union Hall
Organisation: Union Hall
Location: Denver, Colorado, US
Support: $1,025 curator stipend, $315 stipend per participating artist, mentorship and exhibition resources
Duration: Six-week exhibition in 2027
Application deadline: 27 October 2026, 11:59 pm (Mountain Time)
Union Hall invites artists, writers, cultural producers and aspiring curators to submit proposals for original exhibitions that push boundaries, spark conversation and reflect the vibrancy of the Denver Metropolitan community.
Rough Gems is an annual collaborative curatorial training programme that showcases the work of three Denver-area curators or curatorial teams.
Now in its eighth year, each team receives financial support, mentorship and access to Union Hall’s space, budget and resources to create a six-week exhibition, alongside community-facing programming and public engagement opportunities.
The mission of the Rough Gems programme is to broaden the voices responsible for exhibition-making in Denver.
About the programme
Rough Gems provides an opportunity for emerging curators and cultural producers to develop and realise an original exhibition within a supportive environment.
Three curators or curatorial teams will be selected to develop exhibitions at Union Hall in 2027, with access to mentorship, exhibition resources and financial support.
Proposals should demonstrate aesthetic and conceptual value, align with Union Hall’s vision and mission, and consider opportunities for public engagement through additional programming.
Eligibility
The open call welcomes people aged 18 and over who reside in the Denver Metropolitan area, from all backgrounds and disciplines.
Eligible applicants include:
- Students and emerging curators
- Artists, writers and historians
- Cultural producers
- Individuals interested in artistic practices or exhibition organising
No prior curatorial experience is required, and there is no application fee.
Applicants may submit proposals individually or as curatorial teams.
Financial support
Each selected curator will receive a $1,025 stipend, while each participating artist will receive a $315 stipend.
Curators and curatorial teams will also benefit from mentorship and access to Union Hall’s exhibition space, budget and resources to develop and deliver their exhibitions.
Exhibition dates
Three six-week exhibition periods are available in 2027:
Exhibition 1: 11 February–20 March 2027
Installation: 4–10 February 2027
Exhibition 2: 24 June–7 August 2027
Installation: 17–23 June 2027
Exhibition 3: 19 August–2 October 2027
Installation: 12–18 August 2027
Applicants will be asked to rank their preferred exhibition periods. The jury will consider these preferences, but the final scheduling decision will be made by Union Hall.
Selection criteria
Proposals will be evaluated according to:
- Aesthetic and conceptual value: Whether the exhibition aligns with Union Hall’s vision, mission and core values, and contributes meaningfully to its exhibition programme.
- Supplemental programming: Whether the proposal includes relevant and engaging opportunities for public programming and community participation.
- Feasibility: Whether the proposed exhibition can realistically be delivered within the Rough Gems programme timeline.
Application process
Applicants are invited to submit original curatorial proposals for consideration by 27 October 2026 at 11:59 pm (Mountain Time).
Union Hall also provides a recorded information session explaining the application process and required documents.
There is no fee to apply.
