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  June 17, 2026 San Francisco, USA
Proposals 34 days left

Open Call for Curators

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Institution: Root Division
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Contract: Curatorial Open Call / Group Exhibition (2027–2028)
Salary: $3,000 curatorial stipend + production budget support
Deadline: 31 July 2026

Root Division invites emerging curators to submit proposals for conceptually rigorous group exhibitions in its Main Gallery. The open call is part of the organisation’s curatorial programme supporting emerging and mid-career artists and curators, with a strong focus on community engagement and the Bay Area art ecosystem.

Selected proposals will be developed for presentation in 2027 or 2028 and should demonstrate strong conceptual frameworks, curatorial clarity, and relevance to contemporary artistic and social discourse. While international submissions are accepted, exhibitions must include at least 70% Bay Area–based artists or demonstrate clear local relevance.

This curatorial open call supports the development of group exhibitions led by emerging curators with fewer than five years of experience. Selected curators will be responsible for developing an original exhibition concept, selecting artists, and shaping the curatorial framework in collaboration with Root Division’s exhibition team.

Exhibitions are expected to engage with contemporary artistic practices and may address social, political, or cultural themes relevant to the present moment. Curators are encouraged to consider partnerships and educational programming as part of their proposals.

Application Details

  • Curator CV or resume (all applicants in a single document if multiple curators)
  • Exhibition proposal including title and conceptual framework
  • Responses to guiding questions (concept, artist selection, relevance, partnerships)
  • PDF with up to 8 images of artworks including details (artist, year, medium, dimensions)
  • Submission deadline: 31 July 2026, 11:59 PM

Eligibility Criteria

  • Emerging curator status (under 5 years of curatorial experience)
  • Ability to be based in the Bay Area during the exhibition period
  • Submission of an original exhibition proposal
  • Strong conceptual and research-led curatorial approach
  • Commitment to working with emerging and mid-career artists
  • At least 70% of participating artists must be Bay Area–based or have clear local relevance