Call for Curator

This is an open call opportunity for a curator or co-curators to develop a group exhibit that will be on display at University of Michigan Medicine’s Gifts of Art Gallery in Taubman Center South Lobby from December 16, 2024 to February 28, 2025. The Gifts of Art Program at Michigan Medicine brings the arts into the environment of care to help restore hope, encourage personal agency, and honor human dignity.

The open call invites a curator (or two co-curators) to submit an exhibition proposal. No formal experience is required; however, experience participating in and working with group art shows is encouraged. 

The curator/co-curators will:

  • Develop the Call for Entry, including a thematic curatorial statement for the group show;

  • Jury the art selection from among the submitted works based on the gallery specifications guide for 2D and 3D work in order to adequately fill the space and form a cohesive show; 

    • Includes (10) 3D cases of varying dimensions and (12.5) 4’ x 8’ wall panels for 2D work; curator will receive detailed drawings, photos and is encouraged to visit the space;

  • Consider UM Gifts of Art display and content specifications*;

  • Prepare accurate art inventory forms to align with existing space (with support from Exhibits Committee);

  • Coordinate with the Fiber Club* Exhibitions Committee to meet deadlines and communicate progress and decisions;

  • Collaborate with Fiber Club* Exhibitions Committee to communicate with artists about art preparation and delivery (e.g. hardware, packing, etc.). Note that UM Gifts of Art will handle installation of all artwork.

This role will be paid with a modest stipend derived from entry fees.


Approximate Project Timeline:

  • Call for Curator Submissions Due: Friday, May 17, 2024

  • Curator Selection: Late May

  • Call for Entry - Draft Review: Mid-June

  • Call for Entry Open: End of June

  • Call for Entry Closed: End of July

  • Artwork Selected: End of August

  • Deliver Art Images: Late October

  • Deliver Art: December 2-4, 2024

  • Exhibit Open: December 16, 2024 to February 28, 2025

Key Dates & Responsibilities for Curatorial Team:
June - Develop Call for Art/Entry
August - Curate Art from Submissions
Late August/September - Collect Images/Information & Communicate Hanging Req’ts with Artists (with support from Exhibits Committee)

For consideration, please submit your interest via our Google Form, including a brief statement of interest, plus any additional relevant background information. Please confirm your availability during the critical timeframes listed above. 

Email fiberclubexhibits@gmail.com with any questions.
DUE FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024

*UM Gifts of Arts requires artwork and titles to be sensitive to the medical and emotional state of their viewers. They will not accept overtly sexual content, titles, violence and nudity and the request that work is not confrontational, obviously depressing or contains negative medical conditions. 

UM Gift of Arts also requires that all work displayed meets the following size and framing specifications: 

  • Oversized Art cannot exceed a vertical height of 40”. (The Main Lobby Gallery can hold art up to 7’ tall.)

  • Fiber Art must have a sewn sleeve on the back of the work complete with a slat. The slat must have holes drilled at each end and be substantial enough to prevent sagging.

  • Wooden dowels with hook eyes will NOT be accepted. Monofilament line will NOT be used to hang fiber works.

  • Unframed Canvases are acceptable with a painted edge or an edge finished with canvas tape.

  • Metal Framed Art must be Nielsen-type metal frames with a standard hanging channel in the back. Clip-type frames which do not have a back channel to accommodate security hangers will NOT be accepted.

  • Wood Framed Art requires the use of our security hardware attached to the back of wood frames. The frames must be at least ¾" deep. Security hardware will be provided by UM GOA upon request. Exceptions for the use of security hardware are made on a case-by-case basis. A Security Waiver MUST be signed whenever security hardware is not used.