Short Description

Workman Arts is seeking a Guest Curator (or team of Curators) to develop and curate a small group exhibition and/or Public Program as part of Being Scene 2025
Workman Arts welcomes curatorial proposals that incite a range of intersectional narratives and conversations as it relates to mental health and/or addictions. This year the curated exhibition will take place between early September – October 2025 (dates TBD), and will focus on themes of Care, Community, Togetherness and Sustainability.

Eligibility

We welcome and encourage proposals from applicants who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, women, 2SLGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and/or are members of other visible or invisible marginalized groups.

  • Individual curators and collectives are welcome to apply
  • Must have 3-4 years of experience in curating exhibitions and/or public programs 
  • Must be available in person in Toronto between early September and early October 2025 (to install and deinstall the exhibition, implement public program) 
  • Must be available from June to September to develop work plans and curatorial proposal with the VA manager (either online or in person)

ROLE EXPECTATIONS

  • Work closely with the Visual Arts Manager to implement their proposed curatorial vision, exhibition and/or public program 
  • Work closely with Communication Manager to prepare promotional material 
  • Work with selected artists to develop new works and/or programs 
  • Work with art installers to install and deinstall the exhibition 
  • Follow WA’s code of conduct and mandate

Submission Requirements

  • Cover Letter: Please include a short statement about your experience working with visual artists curatorially and/or collaboratively. Please let us know your goals for this exhibition/program. Word doc (.doc, .docx) or PDF only. 
  • Curatorial Proposal: Please include an exhibition/program proposal about one or an intersection of these general themes (Care, Community, Togetherness and Sustainability). Please make your proposal more specific, include artists and artworks you would consider and/or examples on how you would frame your call for submissions if needed. Suggested artists and artworks can change as you develop your proposal. (Word doc (.doc, .docx) or PDF only)
  • Sample writing & CV 
  • Availability for interview

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Curatorial fee $3,000 (collectives will share this fee) 
  • Artist fees (highly recommended to have 5 artists maximum) 
  • Production fees for producing new artworks (art materials)
  • Exhibition production (install fee, shipping, equipment, publication, opening reception, etc.) accurate numbers will be given to the shortlisted curators before their interviews 
  • Public program (speaker fees, workshop fees, etc.)
  • Administrative and financial mentoring/assistance from Visual Arts manager
  • Access to WA Offsite Gallery at 32 Lisgar Street, Toronto

Entry Fee

None

Location

Toronto, Canada

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Website Link: https://workmanarts.com/being-scene/2025-call-for-curator/