Open Call for Curator-in-Residence Program
Deadline: August 29, 2016
Open Call for Inaugural Curator-in-Residence Program
Residency Session: January 4–December 15, 2017
Notifications to all applicants will be made via email by November 1, 2016
Description
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is now accepting applications from national and international curators for its inaugural Curator-in-Residence Program. Starting in January 2017, the successful candidate will participate in a one-year fully subsidized live/work residency as part of the Bemis Center’s acclaimed Artist-in-Residence Program. S/he will originate and present three exhibitions and related public programs inclusive of local and national artists. The Curator-in-Residence will work alongside residency and curatorial staff, and actively contribute to the overall vision of the Bemis’s renowned exhibition program.
Now celebrating its 35-Year Anniversary, the Bemis Center is thrilled to launch the first Curator-in-Residence Program in the state of Nebraska, infusing Omaha with thought leaders in contemporary curatorial practice to engage the local arts community. Competitive applicants will possess a strong knowledge of international contemporary art and a genuine interest in researching and responding to cultural production in Omaha and the region. The Curator-in-Residence is part of the cultural fabric of the city, serving as a professional resource for local artists and arts professionals, and as an ambassador of the Bemis in the community. S/he will be an integral member of the Bemis’s Artist-in-Residence Program, sustaining an intellectual discourse surrounding contemporary art practice through studio visits, knowledge-sharing workshops, and other organized programs with fellow residents.
Reporting to the Curator of Exhibitions and Public Programs and the Artistic Director for Residency Programs, the Curator-in-Residence is a full-time temporary position. S/he will be involved in all curatorial and administrative aspects of organizing three exhibitions over a 12-month residency. The 2017 exhibition seasons are scheduled for February 2–April 29, June 1–August 26, and November 9–January 27. Exhibitions will be original, conceptually rigorous, and exemplify the true breadth and experimentation currently defining contemporary art. Duties include, but are not limited to, research, artist and donor relations, exhibition design and installation, writing/editing of scholarly texts and didactics, budgeting, conceptualizing and leading public programs, and exhibition tours. The Curator-in-Residence studio is for single occupancy only; Bemis is unable to accommodate partners, children, and pets at this time.
There are no fees to apply.
About Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
Founded in 1981, by artists for artists, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts supports today’s artists through an international artist-in-residence program, temporary exhibitions and commissions, and innovative public programs. Located in the historic Old Market district, the Bemis Center serves a critical role in the presentation and understanding of contemporary art, bridging the community of Omaha to a global discourse surrounding cultural production today.
Eligibility
Residency opportunities are open to national and international arts professionals 21+ years of age, showing a strong professional working history.
Bemis Alumni are allowed to re-apply for residency after a three year hiatus from the program. Alumni seeking residency must submit a complete application including recent work samples and current resume. Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously attended.
Students enrolled in an academic program during the time of requested residency are not eligible to apply.
Bemis welcomes internationally based arts professionals to apply. A working knowledge of English is helpful for international artists as an interpreter will not be provided.
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and disability. For special needs or questions about accessibility, please contact the Residency Program Manager.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in curatorial or museum studies, art history, or related field; or 5 years equivalent professional work experience in the field;
- A minimum of 1-2 years curatorial experience in an academic, non-profit, and/or commercial gallery setting;
- Strong knowledge of international contemporary art and a keen interest in understanding and working with Omaha’s cultural landscape are required;
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills are essential;
- Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently and as a team player in a fun, yet demanding arts organization;
- It is understood the ideal candidate will understand and promote the Bemis Center’s mission and, as an ambassador of the organization, perform all Bemis-related duties in a professional, responsible manner.
Fees & Benefits
Submission of applications are only accepted online through http://www.slideroom.com.
There is no fee to apply.
The selected Curator-in-Residence will receive:
- Monthly honorarium: $2,500
- Relocation allowance: $2000*
- Ground transportation allowance: $300/month
- Travel/research budget: $3,000
- Free lodging in a sizable, well-appointed live/work studio with private bath and kitchen and complimentary utilities, laundry, and Wi-Fi
- Administrative staff support
- Dedicated gallery; approximately 2000 square feet; 12.6 foot ceilings; concrete floors
*Curator-in-Residence will organize own travel to Omaha for residency.
Application Review Process
SlideRoom will confirm receipt of your submitted application. Residency applications are reviewed each cycle by a rotating panel represented by arts professionals such as artists, curators, academics, and/or critics. The review process will take 6-8 weeks from the application deadline. Notifications to all applicants will be sent via email after the selection panel has made its final decision.
To Apply: https://bemis.slideroom.com
Residency Session: January 4–December 15, 2017
APPLICATION FORM REQUIREMENTS
- Personal website
- Résumé
- Cover Letter
A one-page cover letter outlining curatorial interests, professional experience, and what you aim to accomplish in a 12-month residency at the Bemis - Academic or Critical Writing Sample (500 words)
- Didactic writing sample for a “general” audience (500 words)
- Three professional references.
Please provide the name, email, and phone number, as well as your relationship to each. Letters of recommendation are not required. Should the selection panel choose your application, your references will be contacted by the Bemis Center. - Portfolio: 5 media samples
Please provide up to 5 media samples.
Images should be sized no larger than 5MB each.
Video samples should be sized no larger than 250MB each and 5 minutes in length or less.
Audio samples should be sized no larger than 30MB each and 5 minutes in length or less.
Text-based media samples should be submitted in pdf format; 1500 word max or one page in length.Do not include external links to media samples or websites.
Do not include multiple page pdfs as one media sample.
Do not include trailer video samples.Include title, dimensions, and medium and pertinent details. Media descriptions may also be included. No external websites are to be included. (100 word max.)
When uploading video or audio files, please use the following formats:
Videos: .m4v, .mov, .mp4, .wmv, .flv, .asf, .mpeg, .mpg, .mkv
Video samples should not exceed 5 minutes in length, 60Mb
Audio: .mp3, .wma, .ogg, .flac
Notifications to all applicants will be made via email by November 1, 2016.
For more information, contact Holly Kranker, Residency Program Manager, at 402.341.7130 x 12 or hollyk@bemiscenter.org.
