Are you a passionate curator with a deep connection to Long Beach? The Arts Council for Long Beach is excited to announce a call for curatorial qualifications for the FY24 Professional Artist Fellowship Exhibition. We invite community members, artists, groups/collectives, galleries, scholars, educators, and historians to apply for this unique opportunity to curate an exhibition that will showcase the work of our Professional Artist Fellows from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025.

About the Professional Artist Fellowship

The Professional Artist Fellowship program celebrates and supports the work of outstanding artists in Long Beach. Each year, the program culminates in an exhibition that highlights the diverse talents and perspectives of the Fellows. This year, we’re seeking a dedicated and experienced curator to take the lead in bringing this exhibition to life.

Exhibition Opportunity

  • Collaborate with Fellows: Propose an exhibition in collaboration with the Arts Council for Long Beach FY24 Professional Artist Fellows.
  • Prime Exhibition Space: Utilize the main library floor exhibition space at the Billie Jean King Library in Downtown Long Beach.
  • Extended Exhibition Period: Oversee a 5-month exhibition period from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025.
  • Support Provided: Receive assistance from the Arts Council for Long Beach with installation/de-installation, studio visits, and exhibition statements.

Curatorial Qualifications

We are looking for curators who meet the following criteria:

  • Local Expertise: Must be based in Long Beach (live, work, and/or create in Long Beach).
  • Community Familiarity: Demonstrated knowledge of Long Beach’s various communities.
  • Hands-On Experience: Proficient in art handling, exhibition installation, and de-installation.
  • Programming Prowess: Skilled in developing engaging exhibition programming.
  • Intersectional Approach: Ability to provide an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach to exhibition design.
  • Marketing Savvy: Experience in marketing, social media, and graphic design.

Curatorial Responsibilities

The selected curator will be responsible for:

  • Attending the exhibition opening, in-person programming, and closing events.
  • Managing the exhibition and sending monthly condition reports to the Arts Council for Long Beach.
  • Creating unique and engaging narratives, programming, and installations.
  • Ensuring the project benefits the targeted audience and other Long Beach communities.
  • Representing the diverse composition of the community/core audience in administrative and artistic personnel.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Resume or C.V. with past exhibition experience.
  • Proof of Long Beach residency.
  • Curator statement.
  • Two letters of recommendation from past curatorial projects.
  • Curatorial support documentation (exhibition images, brochures, informational handouts, video links, etc.).

Key Dates:

  • Application closes: July 15, 2024
  • Panel review: Late July 2024
  • Notifications to applicants: Early August 2024
  • Curator start date: Early/mid-August 2024
  • Exhibition opening: October 2024
  • Exhibition closing: Spring 2025

Budget:

The selected curator will receive a $6,000 stipend, which includes expenses for exhibition supplies, printing, labor, and other related costs.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the Professional Artist Fellowship webpage and click the button under the “Request for Curator Qualifications” section.

FAQs

Who can apply? Community members, artists, groups/collectives, galleries, scholars, educators, and historians are invited to apply.

Where can I receive application assistance? For assistance, contact the Grants Department at grants@artslb.org or (562) 204-6104.

How are applications reviewed? The Arts Council for Long Beach conducts an open review process. Proposals are compared within the same category and appraised within the context of the applicant’s arts or cultural discipline. Results are discussed thoroughly but are not confidential.

We look forward to seeing your innovative curatorial proposals and to celebrating the rich artistic talents of Long Beach. Apply now and join us in making this year’s Professional Artist Fellowship Exhibition an inspiring and impactful event!

For more information, visit the Arts Council for Long Beach Grants webpage.