DEPS STUDENT CURATORIAL PROPOSAL GUIDE

BUILDING BODIES OF WORK

The Department of Exhibition and Performance Spaces (DEPS) is dedicated to the Colleges mission to develop and showcase students bodies of work by providing hands-on experience with all aspects of the exhibtion process. Students can submit artwork for exhibitions, assist with gallery installation, work with visiting artists, attend workshops and panel discussions, apply for employment opportunties and curate exhibitions. Curating exhibitions is a learning experience that provides students the opportunity to develop their curatorial voice through the process of choosing artwork and designing an installation to communicate a vision. It provides a unique perspective into the exhibition planning process. Curating exhibitions allows students to voice what type of art they would like to see, what issues they would like discussed and what installation designs they would like to explore. The process for proposing an exhibition is demanding but rewarding. To assist with the proposal process, the Department of Exhibition and Performance Spaces offers a workshop for student curators every spring and individual meetings are available by appointment.

GUIDELINES FOR THE PROPOSAL PROCESS BE COMMITTED

Before beginning the proposal process, students should consider whether they can commit the time it takes to see an exhibition through completion (see Curatorial Guidelines packet). In addition to preparing the proposal, students need to be involved in the process of soliciting and selecting work, jurying work if necessary, ensuring the delivery of work, asssiting with the lay-out of the gallery, preparing informational copy to use for marketing the exhibition, assisting with the exhibition installation, attending the opening reception and assisting with the de-installation of the gallery.

BE ORGANIZED
Read the proposal instructions and application thoroughly. Be aware of the two seasonal deadlines for the acceptance of exhibition proposals and the proposal process. Complete all relevant forms thoroughly and neatly. Submit supplemental materials according to the guidelines. Students complete the same proposal packet as professional curators so that professional practices can be developed. Since this is the first time most students have created a curatorial proposal, ask for help.

BE FLEXIBLE
Remember that the proposal is the preliminary step in planning an exhibition and will evlolve from the original concept. The Department of Exhibition and Performance Spaces and the Curatorial Board may suggest an alternative gallery venue or an alternative date depending on available openings in the exhibition calendar. The Board might also request further information, further development of an idea, or additional means to connect the exhibition to students and the Columbia Campus. Gallery staff work with all curators to develop exhibitions to work within the departments mission and while maintaining the curators creative vision.

GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL INSTRUCTION BE SPECIFIC

When presenting the exhibition proposal, be specific. A proposal should not be based upon an idea that is too broad or to general. Avoid using an art medium or a broad art, social, or political movement as the curatorial idea. Expand the topic to explore how the exhibition will present the work from a different or unique perspective. Research if the topic has been used in previous exhibitions and if so, how will this exhibition be different?

CHOOSE A CAPTIVATING TITLE

The prospective exhibition needs an attention-grabbing title that reflects its central concept. It should make people curious and also be descriptive.

KNOW THE AUDIENCE

The audience is not exclusively Columbia students. Think about students, faculty, staff, the Chicago art community, special interest groups and demographic populations. How can the exhibition potentially complement and cultivate Columbias diversity.

EXPRESS A POINT OF VIEW

Each curator has a unique perspective and background that will influence the exhibition. Explain to the board what makes this exhibition unique.

CHOOSING THE WORK

There are two primary ways to choose work for an exhibition. The exhibition can be a combination of the two: Curated: The artists and the work are hand-picked before the exhibition by the curator.  Juried: The work is gathered through an open call through invitation, but is chosen for exhibition by a panel (usually comprised of staff, faculty and/or other professionals). If the work will be curated, include samples of the artists work (see below) to give the Curatorial Board a visual idea of what the show will look like. If the exhibition will be juried, explain how the work will be collected and who is elgible to submit work (students, Columbia community, Chicago community, etc).

CONSIDER THE SPACE

Visit all of the galleries to determine which gallery is most appropriate for the exhibition. Visualize the proposed artwork in the space: how will the pieces fit? Visualize how the pieces may work together. If possible, sketch a rough layout using the provided gallery floor plans as a guide.

SUBMIT EXAMPLES OF WORK

When submitting examples of artwork, follow the guidelines for submission carefully. Remember that examples can be submitted if the actual work for the exhibition has not yet been finalized.

RESUME
The proposal packet must include either a curator resume or information about the sumbitting group. When submitting a resume, target the resume towards the goal of curating an exhibition. Make previous experience and skills relevant to the application. Include work experience, community involvment, previous exhibitions, project completion and any other information that proves dedication and experience. A short biographical essay can also be included. When submtting a proposal with a partner or group, provide informatin about the group/collective. What is the commonality? How long has the partnership/group been together? How did the group form? How does the group make decisions and divide responsibilities? Who is the contact person of the group? Also, if the group is working with a faculty advisor, note the advisors name and department.

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE PROPOSAL PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Neysa Page-Lieberman Director of DEPS 312.369.7696 npage-lieberman@colum.edu