Visual Voices Curators: 2025-2027
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RFP Release Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Submission Deadline: Friday, May 16, 2025
Curators Notified by: Friday, June 6, 2025
Description
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) invites six emerging and midcareer visual arts curators to apply for the second cycle of Visual Voices, a three-year fellowship (2025-2027). While all New York City-based curators may apply, priority will be given to Queens-based BIIPOC curators.
Beginning in mid-2025, the fellows of the second cycle will receive comprehensive institutional support to curate at least 12 exhibitions at JCAL and partner sites through 2027. Exhibitions can feature a wide range of artistic practices and explore themes reflective of the BIIPOC experience in Queens and New York City. Through Visual Voices, curators identify and cultivate emerging talent; vet artist submissions; articulate the overall design aesthetics of exhibitions; coordinate transportation and collect and track artwork; oversee installation, deinstallation, and related tasks; collaborate with the JCAL artistic and administrative staff; and help to maintain upkeep of galleries during exhibitions and interim periods.
By managing exhibitions from end-to-end and producing an exhibition publication, Fellows receive the practical experience to launch and/or advance their curatorial career. Advised by a mentor hired specifically for the program, fellows network across NYC, learn curatorial best practices, and receive coaching on public speaking.
Too many NYC curatorial opportunities privilege those with established careers or financial independence. Each Visual Voices curator earns $4000 per exhibition.
Highlights from the first cycle of Visual Voices include Jamaica-based curator Shenna Vaughn’s curated gallery at JFK’s Terminal 8, and Adrian Bermeo’s show featuring visual interpretations of ancestral music. Exhibition themes also included Black resilience through an Afrofuturist lens; youth gun violence prevention; and music and visual art in the African, Latine, and Caribbean diasporas.
JCAL welcomes proposals from curators of all races, colors, religions, languages, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, socio-economic status, marital status, and all other differences.
Request for Proposals:
Visual Arts Curators
One proposal per curator will be accepted. A complete proposal will include all the elements detailed below. Maximum size is 100MB per file.
Applicant Eligibility
· Must be a current resident of New York City. Queens curators receive priority.
· Must be at least 18 years of age.
· Must demonstrate a minimum of one year experience (either 12 consecutive months in a particular role or by cumulative experiences and projects) working in a professional curatorial capacity in visual arts.
Proposal Requirements:
Cover Letter
Provide a one-page cover letter (with name, snail/email address, phone number) explaining your interest in Visual Voices, and how your work as a curator will benefit from this program.
Curatorial Statement
Provide a statement of no more than 500 words in which you detail your curatorial journey.
CV/Resume
Provide a CV (if appropriate) or professional resume.
Curatorial Portfolio
Submit images of previous projects, exhibitions or artworks. Up to 10 high-quality images may be submitted.
About JCAL
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts, and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. For additional information, visit www.JCAL.org.