Curatorial Proposals

Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) is seeking submissions from curators, artists, collectives and organizations working across a wide range of disciplines for curatorial proposals for our 2019-2021 programming years.

Submissions can include proposals for exhibitions, public programming, performances, screenings, workshops, tours and digital projects. CDCC is particularly interested in critically, politically and socially engaged program proposals. We also encourage proposals that challenge the definition and boundaries of curatorial practice and conceive of curatorial labour in new ways.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • Proposal brief: max 500 words outlining your idea with a confirmed or potential artist list;
  • CVs and/or bios for curators;
  • Support material: up to ten images/documents, can include artworks, sketches, writing samples and examples of previous curatorial projects;
  • A list of material and tech requirements (if applicable).   

Email your submission as a single zipped attachment to: opportunities@criticaldistance.ca

DEADLINE – PAST

June 30, 2019

FEES

Critical Distance is committed to paying artist fees in accordance with CARFAC’s guidelines. Curators will receive a fee of $1000–2000 depending on the scope of their project. Budgets will be developed in collaboration between the gallery and curator/s.

CDCC covers:

  • Opening reception
  • Print and digital informational and promotional materials in support of the exhibition
  • Partial or full installation assistance
  • Shipping and travel (case-by-case basis, depending on scope of project)
  • Documentation
  • Print or digital catalogue (depending on the scope of the project)   

CDCC does not cover:

  • The commissioning of new artworks
  • Artwork production (printing, framing, etc.)

PRIORITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

  • We recommend reviewing CDCC’s previous programming before preparing a proposal.
  • Works that have not been previously shown in Toronto will be prioritized.
  • CDCC welcomes proposals from local and international curators in every stage of their careers.

REVIEW AND TIMELINES

Proposals will be reviewed by CDCC’s current programming committee. Applicants should expect a response by December 2019.

ABOUT CRITICAL DISTANCE

Part gallery and publisher, part professional network, CDCC exists to: provide opportunities and resources to curators and artists for the production of exhibitions and projects within a critical framework; foster curatorial community and discourse at all levels of professional development; promote education, sustainability, and best practices in curating and exhibition-making; and more.

With a focus on critically engaged, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary practices, underrepresented artists and art forms, and community outreach and education in art and exhibition-making, Critical Distance is an open platform for diverse curatorial perspectives, and a forum for the exchange of ideas on curating and exhibition-making as ways to engage and inform audiences from all walks of life.

ABOUT our GALLERY and BUILDING

CDCC’s project space is an intimate venue for artistic and curatorial experimentation, with approximately 325 square feet devoted to exhibitions and events. Ceilings are 14 feet high, and the gallery is wheelchair accessible. A full-height pocket door allows for division of the space into two distinct areas, one of which is suitable for projection-based works and film screenings. Click for a PDF of the gallery floor plan.

Additional spaces in and around Artscape Youngplace, the 75,000 sf cultural and community hub we call home, may also be considered for inclusion in proposed projects. A wide range of public and semi-public contexts is available for curatorial/artistic consideration and engagement, including: a street-level billboard, outdoor performance area, various flatscreen and projection surfaces in public areas, a 63-seat black box theatre with professional sound stage and 16 x 9 foot projection screen, open classroom, art and movement studios of various sizes; ceramics, printmaking, papermaking, and kitchen facilities, and more. Proposals incorporating public and semi-public spaces should demonstrate knowledge and sensitivity to conditions of such sites. Fees, budgets and schedules will be adjusted according to the scope of each accepted project.

Site visits are recommended when possible. Artscape Youngplace building hours are 8–8 pm daily except statutory holidays; Critical Distance gallery hours are Weds–Fri 12–6, Sat–Sun 11–5, and by appointment when exhibitions are on. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for information on current exhibitions and events.