Curatorial Proposal for Central Gallery Exhibitions

We are inviting curators to submit exhibition proposals for Center for Book Arts' Central Gallery. We are seeking proposals that elaborate, challenge and contribute to the artistic, theoretical, historical, and contemporary aspects of the book arts.

The selected curatorial projects will be given access to CBA's resources such as the archive and collection artworks, as well as administrative support leading up to the exhibition. The curator will be awarded a $2,000-5,000 honorarium (depending on funding and scope). CBA has a modest budget to support honoraria for public programs and an exhibition catalog. A floor-plan of the space can be seen here. 

This exhibition series is intended to broaden public understanding of the book as an art object by building on the rich history of the book arts through new scholarship by providing the space and resources to support curators. Preference is given to proposals focussing on contemporary interpretations of the book as an art object, that challenge traditional notions of the book arts, or that build on the critical framework around the history of artist books. Exhibitions that feature a broad representation of artists and media, site-specific installations, and performances are encouraged.

We are especially interested in proposals for:

1. Exhibitions that will further and/or challenge the discourse of book arts within a contemporary artistic criticism.
2. Exhibitions that fill in gaps in the public’s understanding of the book arts by showing a wide range of artists.
3. Focused exhibitions using the work of multiple artists to demonstrate a cohesive artistic trend or subject.
4. 2024 is CBA’s 50th anniversary and therefore we welcome curatorial proposals that connect artists or ideas from CBA’s early history to contemporary practices of today.

All submissions must include:

1. A 1000-word exhibition proposal indicating the visual and conceptual vision of the exhibition and public programs.
2. Proposed list of works with the title, year, medium and dimensions, with thumbnail images of items to be exhibited uploaded as a PDF.
3. 5-10 images of works to be included. (jpg format—minimum size of 800px and maximum of 1200px in either direction)

Round 1 Application Deadline (for exhibitions in 2027): November 30, 2024

We accept submissions on a rolling basis. The review process will take place each year in March. Applications are not to be edited once submitted. 

Application questions should be addressed to camilo@centerforbookarts.org