New Art Center Curatorial Opportunity Program 2018

The New Art Center's Curatorial Opportunity Program (COP) supports independent curators of contemporary art by making diverse visions possible in a non-profit and alternative exhibition space. The program investigates contemporary culture through the visual arts, exhibits strong curatorial voices, and encourages the timely examination of new ideas and perspectives. The New Art Center is accepting curatorial proposals for 5- to 7-week group exhibitions from September 2019 – May 2020. Electronic submissions must be received by June 5, 2018. No extensions will be granted and no paper applications will be accepted.

Proposals must include works by two or more artists and at least one public program with an educational component. Exhibitions can include works in a single medium or several media, from painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and video to installation, performance, and sound art. Exhibitions may be organized around medium, process, or social, cultural, historical, theoretical or political concepts. Strong applications are centered on a curatorial concept that ties the work together. Artists wishing to include their own work must be willing to eliminate it if the panel feels such a cut would strengthen the exhibition.

The New Art Center provides a $1,000 USD curator stipend, a set budget for printing postcard invitations, public relations support, advertisements and listings, gallery signage, insurance up to $150,000 for artwork, physical assistance in preparing the space and installing work, and an opening reception with refreshments. The NAC does not provide transportation of artworks or artists, or installation construction beyond basic installation and wall configuration. The NAC receives a 50% commission on sales of works in the exhibitions. All artists and curators are eligible regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, belief, national origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities. There are no geographic restrictions, though the NAC does not pay for travel expenses or shipping of artwork.