Open Call for BRAC Independent Curators
Deadline February 22, 2021
The Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) is currently seeking applications from Independent Curators for its FY2022 Exhibitions Calendar (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022). The selected curators will be responsible for contacting and sourcing all materials from artists, writing exhibition texts, and facilitating a public program. We encourage curatorial proposals by independent curators who are attuned to stretching boundaries and familiar with artists from The Bronx. This call for proposals aligns with our mission of supporting emerging artists from underrepresented groups, such as women and artists of color and addressing relevant social and environmental issues. Further, we continue our commitment to present exhibitions in various media, including interdisciplinary practices that connect artists in The Bronx and beyond.
BRAC Exhibitions Program has become known for both its deft curatorial vision and its ability to produce ambitious, energetic exhibitions with ingenuity and immediacy. In recent years, we have exposed various paradigms of contemporary art to the litmus test of our local Bronx community and the cultural, economic, and social landscape that defines it. Our Exhibitions Program also provides a resource for artists and guest curators, by giving them a platform inside a reality that has not been fully acknowledged by traditional arts institutions.
Mission Statement:
Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) is a culturally diverse, multi-arts, non-profit organization that provides a forum for community, artists, and youth to transform creativity into vision. Our Education, Exhibitions, Artist Studios, and Presenting Programs cultivate leadership in an urban environment and stewardship of our natural resource — the Bronx River.
Please visit our website to view current and past exhibitions at: https://www.bronxriverart.org/gallery.cfm
GUIDELINES:
1. Proposals must be conceptually rigorous and focus on artists and themes in a way that is innovative, timely, challenging, and engaging.
2. We are looking for proposals that clearly demonstrate a unique and creative approach to curatorial research methods and innovative exhibition plans, as well as an awareness of various art media within an historical context.
3. Guest Curators should not include their own work in the exhibition they are proposing.
4. Bronx River Art Center strongly encourages applications that expand our mission and contribute to our ongoing commitment to emerging artists, social and environmental justice, and advocacy for artists.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Please attach the following Information as a Word or PDF document and send by email to: opencall@bronxriverart.org with subject heading Curator Open Call
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A detailed exhibition proposal (concept paper) with your name, address, phone number and email address, of up to 500 words that includes a curatorial statement, exhibition goals and objectives, any technical requirements, and a preliminary list of artists with a checklist of images, and indicate whether these artists have been confirmed. We additionally encourage the proposal of a public program and/or community workshops (date and time to be determined if your proposal is selected)
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5 - 10 image samples. This does not have to be a final image check-list, just a grouping of artworks that illustrate your exhibition idea.
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A Curator’s CV.
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Three professional references (names and contact info) describing previous curatorial work/projects and/or research experience.
FEE:
Selected curators will be awarded a $500 - $600 honorarium depending on the show’s complexity. Exhibiting artists will also receive stipends based on the number of artists in the show.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Submissions deadline is Monday February 22, 2021.
Finalists will be contacted for a virtual or safe in-person interview before selections are announced. Please do not submit original materials. All applications will be kept on our files for future reference. For technical inquiries email: opencall@bronxriverart.org.
*No phone calls inquiring about the status of your submission, please.
Opportunities
Internship:
Interns assist the Executive Director, the Education Director, the Gallery Director, Staff, and Teachers in all projects at the Bronx River Art Center, including teaching preparation and classroom instruction, administrative tasks, exhibition installations, and other assigned duties. Enthusiasm for working in a multi-ethnic community is a must.
Qualifications: College students pursuing a degree in Fine Arts, Visual Media Arts, Arts Management, or Art Education. Interns assisting with media classes should have experience operating filmmaking equipment and knowledge of Final Cut Pro. Junior level or above preferred. Good writing skills, computer literacy, and graphic design or internet skills are desirable.
Days/hours required: To be arranged. 10 to 20 hours per week. BRAC is open Monday through Friday, from 10am-6:30pm, and Saturday, from 10am-5pm. After-school classes begin at 4:30pm.
How to Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining what type of internship you are interested in and why you want to intern with BRAC to info@bronxriverart.org.
Questions? Call us at 718-589-5819.
Volunteer:
Are you interested in donating your valuable time to helping some of the most talented youth in the Bronx?
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available at BRAC:
- Cataloging and Archiving
- Classroom Monitors
- Education Programs Assistants
- Entrance Monitors
- Fundraising Committee
- Student Exhibition Assistants
- Website/Newsletter Team
Please contact us at info@bronxriverart.org or 718-589-5819 for more information about internships or volunteer opportunities. Thank you!