Organizer Information
Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) is a nonprofit artist-run incubator based in Washington, DC, and one of the region’s longest-standing alternative arts organizations. Founded to support experimental and artist-led practices, WPA develops exhibitions, public programs, publications, and collaborative initiatives that place artists at the center of cultural production.
Through its programming model, WPA emphasizes artist-organized projects, curatorial experimentation, and community-based engagement. Its annual initiatives, including major benefit events such as Art Night, help sustain both the organization and participating artists while expanding access to contemporary art within the Washington, DC metropolitan area (DMV region).
Title & Description
Art Night Exhibition & Events Producer – WPA (Contract)
The Art Night Exhibition & Events Producer is a contract-based production role supporting WPA’s 2026 Art Night benefit exhibition and fundraising event, held in partnership with Hickok Cole Architects in Washington, DC.
Art Night is one of WPA’s flagship annual events, bringing together approximately 80–100 artists and over 100 artworks in a large-scale curated sales exhibition. The event functions both as a fundraising initiative and a platform for regional Visual Arts practitioners to present and sell work within a professionally managed exhibition environment.
The Producer oversees the full exhibition lifecycle, including artist coordination, artwork logistics, installation planning, sales coordination, and event execution. This role ensures that all curatorial and production systems operate smoothly, bridging communication between artists, WPA staff, and partner institutions.
The position is ideal for experienced arts professionals with strong production skills in Exhibition coordination, Arts Administration, and Public Programming, particularly within artist-centered or nonprofit cultural contexts.
The Role Overview
- Position: Art Night Exhibition & Events Producer
- Contract Type: Independent Contractor
- Reporting To: WPA Executive Director
- Project Fee: $14,000 total (approx. $2,800/month)
- Contract Period: July – November 2026
- Estimated Commitment: 350–450 hours total
- Work Schedule: Hybrid (10–15 hrs/week early stage; up to 30–32 hrs/week during peak production)
- Programme: WPA Art Night 2026 (Benefit Exhibition & Fundraiser)
Position & Tasks
Artist Selection & Coordination
- Support open call administration and artist outreach
- Manage artist selection workflows and communications
- Maintain artist databases and artwork records
Artist Relations
- Serve as primary liaison for participating artists
- Collect contracts, artwork metadata, and documentation
- Coordinate deadlines, delivery schedules, and installation logistics
Exhibition & Installation Management
- Oversee artwork intake, transport, and return logistics
- Coordinate installation teams and exhibition layout planning
- Manage artwork labeling, packing, and handling procedures
- Supervise installation and deinstallation processes
Sales & Administration
- Coordinate artwork sales operations with finance teams
- Maintain buyer and artwork transaction records
- Support post-event artist payments and reconciliation
Event Production
- Attend weekly production meetings with WPA leadership
- Coordinate with partner venue Hickok Cole Architects
- Support VIP walkthroughs, sponsor previews, and collector visits
- Manage online sales platform updates (Big Cartel)
Event Closeout
- Oversee artwork return and pickup logistics
- Ensure full documentation reconciliation
- Support final reporting and artist communication
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Exhibition Production
- Curatorial Practice
- Arts Administration
- Public Programming
- Art Management
- Contemporary Art
- Installation
- Project Management
Eligibility
- Experience in Exhibition coordination, gallery work, or museum production
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Experience working directly with artists and art objects
- Knowledge of artwork handling and installation processes
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Ability to manage physically demanding installation tasks (up to 25 lbs)
- Familiarity with contemporary Visual Arts ecosystems is preferred
This is an International / US-based (DMV region) opportunity open to professionals with relevant experience.
Program Benefits
- $14,000 project-based compensation
- Leadership role in a major annual Exhibition and fundraising event
- Direct collaboration with artists, collectors, and cultural institutions
- Hands-on experience in large-scale exhibition production
- Opportunity for future engagement (Collectors’ Night 2027)
- Professional exposure within Washington, DC’s contemporary art network
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV / Resume
- Statement of interest or cover letter
- One professional reference
How to Apply?
Apply via email: info@wpadc.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
- Interviews: June 2026
- Contract Period: July – November 2026
- Event Date: October 15, 2026 (Art Night, 5–9 PM)
Location
Washington, DC, United States
Additional Details
- Event includes 80–100 artists and 100+ artworks
- Strong focus on logistics, installation, and sales coordination
- Requires coordination with architects, sponsors, and collectors
- Workload increases significantly during September–October
- Opportunity supports WPA’s 50th anniversary programming season
- Hybrid workflow with intensive production phases during the installation period