Call for Guest Curator identifying as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color)

Portland Public Library is seeking to expand the curatorial perspective in the Lewis Gallery by contracting a Guest Curator to curate the annual illustration exhibit for 2024.  We are seeking an individual or individuals who identify as BIPOC and reside in Maine.

Our goal is to expand the perspective of the annual illustration exhibit at Portland Public Library by collaborating with artists and curators from BIPOC communities to make sure the gallery includes diverse perspectives.

The annual illustration exhibit is held in the last quarter of the year each year and is scheduled for November and December 2024.  Previous illustration exhibits have consisted of solo and group exhibits, including: Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey; Maurice Sendak: 50 Years, 50 Works, 50 Reasons; The Pulps; Wake Up Alice; Picture This: The Art and Workings of Illustration Institute; Dahlov Ipcar: Stories; The Art of Rube Goldberg; Folkland; Illustrated Monsters by Monster Illustrators; A Blue: Daniel Minter and the Layered Narrative of Illustration; and most recently, Why We Make Comics: Reflections on Storytelling.

A stipend of $3500 is provided to the Guest Curator for their creative contribution. Additional funds to support artist honorariums and exhibit rental will be provided.  The Guest Curator will be responsible for exhibit content, design, and installation oversight with support from library staff.  Candidates are asked to submit a resume and a short project proposal (200-300 words).

Timeline:

April 15, 2024: deadline to submit resume and proposal

April 30, 2024: Curator will be selected by a selection committee / other applications will be notified

May 1 – October 1, 2024: Curation

October 1 – November 15, 2024: pre-installation planning and installation

Please reach out with questions and submit resume and proposal to: harkness@portlib.org

Portland Public Library fosters learning, discovery, joy, and conversation to enrich our diverse community and advance literacy.