New Art Center Curatorial Opportunity Program

The New Art Center is accepting curatorial proposals for 5 to 6 week group exhibitions in the 2013-2014 exhibition cycle (September 2013 – May 2014) to be installed in the Main Gallery. The NAC has a 35-year tradition of using the Main Gallery for group exhibitions (two artists or more) curated by an exhibiting artist or independent curator, continuing this tradition through a public call for proposals since May 1991.

Proposals must be for group exhibitions with two or more artists and can include works in a single medium or several mediums, from painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and video to installation art, performance art and sound art. Exhibitions can be organized around medium or process, or investigate social, cultural, historical, theoretical or political concepts. Proposals must include at least one public presentation with an educational component; related performing arts programming such as poetry, spoken word, music and dance are welcomed. Curators may include their own work in the exhibition but it should not be the focus.

The Main Gallery is approximately 2,000 square feet with 25-foot vaulted ceilings, substantial natural light, and 10' x 6' movable modular wall panels. For each exhibition, the NAC provides a $1,000 curator stipend to be applied to exhibition expenses, a budget for printing and postage of a postcard invitation, press releases, advertisements, insurance up to $150,000 for artwork, physical assistance in preparing the space, an opening reception with refreshments, and refreshments at a Gallery Talk or public program. The NAC does not provide transportation of artworks or pay for unusual installation construction. Work samples may include up to 80 images (maximum 12 per artist), 6 audio files, and 6 video files, with a minimum of 2 total samples required. All artists are eligible regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, belief, national origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities. While artists and curators from the greater Boston area are encouraged to participate, there are no geographic restrictions. The NAC does not pay for travel expenses. Applications are reviewed by a committee of professional artists, educators, museum and gallery personnel, and NAC staff and Board members. Awards will be announced in June 2013. Electronic submissions only via CaFÉ are accepted; no paper applications or extensions will be granted.