CONNECT Curatorial Program

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Brief Description

The CONNECT Curatorial Program, organized by Roots & Culture, is an exhibition-based program designed to support women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary curators of color. The program helps curators gain visibility, expand their networks, develop professional credentials, and foster connections with artists and arts professionals. The exhibition will be held from July 25 – August 30, 2025, with installation starting on July 21, 2025.

Information & Application Details

  • Deadline: March 31, 2025 (5 PM CDT)
  • Decision Notification: May 2, 2025
  • Exhibition Dates: July 25 – August 30, 2025
  • Location: Roots & Culture, Chicago
  • Submission Email: rootsandc@gmail.com

Eligibility

  • Open to women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary curators of color.
  • Open to both local and national applicants.
  • Only individual curators (no teams or collectives).

Theme

  • Proposals should reflect a fully-formed exhibition, including artists and artworks with whom the curator has an existing relationship.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

  • 300-word exhibition proposal detailing the concept and participating artists.
  • Current CV.
  • 15 images and/or up to 3 two-minute video excerpts representing the exhibition.
  • Materials should be sent as folders, zip files, or via Google Drive to rootsandc@gmail.com.

Submission Requirements

  • The exhibition must include a maximum of 5 artists.
  • The curator will be responsible for organizing the show and submitting a work plan two months before the opening.
  • Some modifications to exhibition details may be made after acceptance.
  • Late submissions may not be considered.

Selection Process

  • Reviewed by Roots & Culture’s team, considering creativity, feasibility, and curatorial vision.

Program Benefits & Awards

– $5,000 stipend, which must include artist fees ($200 per artist, max 5 artists).
– Budget for PR, signage, printing, and reception costs.
– Mentorship & networking:

  • Curators will connect with Chicago’s arts professionals.
  • Studio visits with 10 artists from Roots & Culture’s programs.
  • Feedback & mentoring from the Board of Directors’ Programming Committee.

Obligations & Costs

  • No extra budget for shipping, travel, or production costs.
  • Curators must utilize the gallery’s existing resources creatively.
  • Studio visits with 10 artists are required but do not have to be included in the exhibition.

Website: https://www.rootsandculturecac.org/event/connect-submission-deadline/

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