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Visual AIDS invites curators to submit proposals for our annual one-month exhibition, to take place summer 2020. Visual AIDS utilizes art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists, and preserving a legacy, because AIDS is not over.
Extended Deadline: April 22, 2019
Visual AIDS is looking for proposals that use art to examine the relationship between HIV and contemporary culture, contemplate the deep cultural history of AIDS, art and activism, and highlight the work of artists living with HIV. Previous exhibitions have explored themes such as HIV criminalization, everyday art practices, the intersection of nightlife and HIV/AIDS activism, love as activism, believing in the unknown, measuring the undetectable, and using text as image to contemplate mixed messages. Curators are strongly encouraged to consider the work of artists in Visual AIDS’ online Artist+ Registry.
For a full history of Visual AIDS exhibitions, click here.
Visual AIDS will provide up to a $15,000 exhibition budget, an exhibition venue in NYC, a $2000 honorarium per curator, and administrative support, along with connection to Visual AIDS artist members and information about HIV/AIDS and related contemporary issues. Curators need not be based in New York, however they will need to be present for installation and in close contact with Visual AIDS throughout the planning process. Curators outside of the United States are encouraged to apply for our International Curatorial Residency in 2020.
Proposals should be a 1-2 page description of the exhibition that includes a list of possible artists; a working timeline for the exhibition to open Summer 2020; general budget considerations for shipping and/or art production; and a C.V.
Email proposals to proposals@visualAIDS.org with email subject line "Curatorial Proposal 2019: [Name of Applicant(s)]" or mail packet to Visual AIDS, 526 West 26th Street, #510, New York, NY 10001.
Successful proposals will illustrate an eye for detail, and an ability to communicate and understand workload management. Curators are expected to be involved in all aspects of exhibition planning, including contacting artists, organizing artwork shipment, installation and deinstallation, and coordinating the publication. Previous experience curating exhibitions is a plus but not mandatory. A successful proposal will engage contemporary artists and art in innovative ways, while ensuring underrepresented issues and communities are involved. Ideas for related programming are welcomed but not mandatory.
Writers, artists, community leaders and other cultural workers who can demonstrate an ability to curate an exhibition are welcome to apply. We are open to accepting applications from individuals as well as teams and pairs.
Previous curators include Conrad Ventur (2019), Kyle Croft and Asher Mones (Cell Count, 2018), Claudia Maria Carrera and Adrian Geraldo Saldaña (VOICE = SURVIVAL, 2017), Sam Gordon (Persons of Interest, 2016), Jean Carlomusto, Alexandra Juhasz and Hugh Ryan (EVERYDAY, 2016), Emily Colucci and Osman Can Yerebakan (Party Out Of Bounds: Nightlife as Activism Since 1980, 2015), Ricardo Montez and Joshua Lubin-Levy (Ephemera As Evidence, 2014), Risa Puleo (For The Record, 2013), Kris Nuzzi and Sur Rodney (Sur) (NOT OVER, 2013), Andrew Blackley (Not only this, but ‘New language beckons us.’, 2013), John Chaich (Re/Mixed Messages, 2011/2012), Nathan Lee and Rachel Cook, (Undetectable, 2011), Patrick Webb (The Sword of Damocles, 2011), Jeffrey Walkowiak (To Believe, 2010), Steven Lam and Virginia Solomon (Tainted Love, 2009), Dean Daderko (Side x Side, 2008), Sasha Archibald, Tania Duvergne, Sally Block, Barbara Hunt McLanahan, and Ernesto Pujol.
Visual AIDS is the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to HIV prevention and AIDS awareness through producing and presenting visual art projects, while assisting artists living with HIV/AIDS. We are committed to preserving and honoring the work of artists with HIV/AIDS and the artistic contributions of the AIDS movement. We embrace diversity and difference in our staff, leadership, artists and audiences.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email Alex Fialho, Visual AIDS Programs Director at afialho@visualaids.org.
Deadline: April 22, 2019
Successful applicant(s) will be notified in May 2019.
