Call for Curators
2022 Wisconsin Triennial
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has selected a guest curator and is no longer seeking candidates for the 2022 Wisconsin Triennial.
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) is pleased to announce the opening of a call for guest curators for its 2022 Wisconsin Triennial. A signature survey of contemporary art statewide, MMoCA’s Wisconsin Triennial will—for the first time in its history—be curated by someone working outside of the institution. The Wisconsin Triennial takes the pulse of the current artistic moment in the region, both highlighting the latest developments in artistic practice and honoring timeless themes that remain relevant to artists working today. Aligned with MMoCA’s mission to bring inspiring events to our community, we are looking for a curator, duo, or collective with an innovative and inclusive vision to bring a transformative approach to a cornerstone of the Museum’s exhibition programming.
The upcoming Wisconsin Triennial will be on view at the MMoCA from April through October of 2022 in the Museum’s State Street Gallery, as well as additional spaces such as the lobby and The Shop.
The open call is juried in two stages.
Round 1
After applicants are screened for eligibility, a jury comprised of MMoCA’s curatorial staff and Director will review the initial round of materials and select a shortlist of applicants to proceed to the next stage. As part of the initial round, applicants will be asked for their broad curatorial vision for the Triennial in a one-page exhibition proposal.
Round 2
If applicants advance to a further round for review, they will be asked to create a more detailed exhibition proposal, which will include a proposed budget, an exhibition thesis/theme, interpretation plan, and implementation plan.
Application Process
- May 17, 2021, 11:59PM: initial application materials due (see below).
- May 28, 2021: applicants will be informed if they have progressed to the second round
- June 25, 2021: additional materials requested by second stage candidates are due
- July 30, 2021: a final decision will be made, and all second-round applicants will be notified
Timeline
- Registration form
- Resume/CV
- One-page exhibition proposal (maximum 500 words)
- Cover letter (maximum 500 words)
Strong proposals will be conceptually driven and focus on curatorial vision, process, and themes that will be challenging and engaging to MMoCA’s audiences. Extra consideration will be given to proposals that show a creative and thoughtful approach towards selecting artworks. Proposal should specify if curator(s) prefer an open-call for artwork submissions, a selective invitation to apply, or an invitation-only model of the exhibition, as well as the reasoning behind that choice. Additionally, a goal number of artists and/or artworks should be specified in the proposal. If proposing an invitation-only exhibition, curator(s) should provide several examples of artists they would like to include in the exhibition. If proposing an open-call exhibition, curator(s) should provide a plan for disseminating the application, and how to best include underrepresented communities.
A cover letter should include some personal information, including a short explanation of why you think you should be the primary curator of the 2022 Wisconsin Triennial, and what the opportunity would mean to you.
We strongly encourage you to visit our website and familiarize yourself with our past exhibitions, mission/vision statement, and the history of the Wisconsin Triennial.
Initial Round Materials
- Overall management of the exhibition
- Setting exhibition theme and exhibition plans
- Selection of artists and artworks
- Overseeing exhibition concept and layout
- Writing and creating all interpretative materials, including wall texts, object labels, exhibition descriptions, and may include working on some promotional materials
- Cooperate across departments at MMoCA to deliver the exhibition
- Any other responsibilities as specified in the contract
Major Responsibilities of the Role
- Any chosen applicant will be required to submit a W-9 or a W-8BEN
- Curator(s) and all proposed artists must be based in Wisconsin or have an affiliation with Wisconsin (please explain your connection in your cover letter, if applicable)
- Curator(s) must be able to travel as needed, both to conduct artist studio visits as well as to travel to the exhibition site at MMoCA for meetings with staff members and installation
- Proven ability to be appreciative of multiple diverse perspectives, and lead a commitment to MMoCA’s initiatives regarding diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion
Individuals, pairs, and collectives are all encouraged to apply, as well as those with non-traditional backgrounds and experience. Curators will not be eligible to include their own work in the exhibition. MMoCA strongly encourages applications that contribute to our ongoing commitment to diversity.
Selected applicant(s) will receive a stipend of $7,500 (total amount given, not per individual if curating as a group or collective). The selected curator(s) will have staff guidance, support, and mentorship in the execution of the project.