The Latinx Project at New York University announces an open call for curatorial projects. Interested applicants are invited to submit specific proposals to be considered for an exhibition to be held in Spring 2026 and Spring 2027. Applicants can submit a proposal on any theme and/or participate in our special call on Rasquachismo in the 21st Century. Additionally, an exhibition catalog and at least one robust public program related to the exhibition will be produced. The selected curator will receive mentorship support and access to our national network of artists, scholars and collaborators, as well as research resources via NYU Libraries.
The Latinx Project aims to offer professionalizing opportunities for established and emerging curators and artists. By carving out spaces for Latinx art exhibitions at NYU, we have been able to foster generative conversations about contemporary Latinx art and scholarship.
Category: Rasquachismo in the 21st Century
We invite curatorial proposals on rasquachismo in the twenty-first century. Coined by scholar Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto in his foundational 1989 essay “Rasquachismo: A Chicano Sensibility,” rasquachismo has inspired artists, scholars, and critics to explore the resourcefulness, creativity, and originality of Latinx popular and vernacular culture. We invite curators to investigate this term as an aesthetic, attitude, or creative source, and as a means of resistance, joy, and celebration. We are interested in how rasquachismo may be activated by contemporary artists and its relevance today. From mixing and matching materials to questioning and challenging high and low references and aesthetic hierarchies, we encourage applications that examine artists across backgrounds and generations who are producing irreverent work and raising bold questions.
Category: General
We invite curatorial proposals on any theme relating to Latinx contemporary practices. We accept exhibition proposals from curators, scholars, & artists annually to develop an exhibition exploring issues of relevance to the evolving U.S Latinx community. We welcome proposals on all topics/themes of relevance and impact to our community.
About
Guidelines
- The strongest proposals offer a conceptually strong and nuanced narrative
- This program is designed for emerging or mid-career curators who showcase innovative approaches to their curatorial practice and thinking
- Only original exhibition proposals will be considered.
- Applicants with an art practice should not include their own work in the exhibition.
- Proposals should include a diverse roster of artists. Please do not notify artists in advance of submitting your proposal.
- We prioritize communication and collaboration throughout the process. TLP will share a roster of artists from our open calls with the selected curator to help shape their proposals.
Expectations
- 1 group show exhibition with a diverse group of artists (7-10) working in a range of artistic disciplines
- 1 public program
- 1 designed exhibition catalog
Key Details
Curatorial projects will be supported by a budget of up to $20,000 managed in consultation with The Latinx Project.
Eligibility
The curator can be based anywhere in the United States but must be present for key dates such as the exhibition installation, opening and deinstallation. Award payments can be made to anyone with an SSN or ITIN.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed in two rounds by a panel of reviewers. 3-5 applicants will be selected as finalists and invited to interview. One proposal will be selected.
Supporters
The curatorial program at The Latinx Project is made possible in part through support from the Mellon Foundation.
Questions?
Please email latinxproject@nyu.edu with subject line: 2025-2026 Curatorial Open Call
How to Apply
Timeline
- Application Opens: September 1, 2024
- Application Due: December 9, 2024
- Final notifications by February 2025
Application
- The application portal will open in September 2024.
- Project Description (1-page pdf)
- Name
- Pronouns
- City/country of birth
- Where you’re currently based
- Website and/or social media handles
- Describe your curatorial proposal in 200 words or less.
- In one sentence, describe how your proposal is relevant to current issues affecting the Latinx community at large.
- CV (pdf)
- List 7 -10 potential artists for the exhibition with corresponding websites/ social media handles.
Website link: https://www.latinxproject.nyu.edu/curatorialopencall
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