CURATORIAL PROJECTS OPEN CALL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL INFO 

When will selected exhibitions be on view?
This open call is for programming at CUE’s gallery space in 2025.

Where is CUE located?
Our gallery space is at 137 W. 25th Street (between 6th and 7th Aves) in Chelsea, Manhattan, New York City. The gallery space is on the ground floor and is accessible to wheelchairs.

How many exhibitions will be selected?
As part of our open call for 2025, CUE will present 2-3 solo exhibitions and 1 curatorial project. 

How long will each exhibition be on view?
Exhibitions at CUE’s gallery space are generally on view for 6-8 weeks.

ELIGIBILITY

Can I submit an application as a collaboration or curatorial team?
Yes. The application should be completed under one name. In the body of the proposal, please state the nature of the collaboration, and include CVs for all collaborators.

I’m an artist. Can I still apply?
Yes. Artists are eligible to apply as curators, but may not include their own work in the exhibition.

I will be graduating in 2025. Am I eligible?
Unfortunately, no. Current students must have graduated from an academic program before the start of 2025 to be eligible. We encourage you to apply next year!

Can I submit an application for both a solo exhibition and a curatorial project?
Yes. You may submit one application for a solo exhibition and one application for a curatorial project, provided that the curator’s own artwork is not included in the proposal. However, you may not submit multiple applications to the same open call (for example, two applications for a curatorial project).

What do you mean by “emerging and underrepresented” artists?
CUE considers artists to be emerging or underrepresented when they do not have gallery representation and have not had a solo exhibition at a major venue (commercial gallery or museum/institution) in a major metropolitan area within the last five years. An artist who has had a solo exhibition at an artist-run space or small venue is still considered emerging or underrepresented, as is an artist who has had a solo show in larger settings outside of major cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. An artist who has only had solo shows in university or college galleries may also be emerging or underrepresented. If you have questions about the eligibility of a specific artist, please contact opencall@cueartfoundation.org.

EXHIBITION PROPOSAL

What is the purpose of the exhibition proposal?
The proposal should be seen as a starting point to describe your concept, ideas, and the work of the artists you are proposing to include. Awardees should understand that their exhibition proposals may change as they begin planning, learn more about the space, and develop further dialogue with the artists, CUE, and the exhibition mentor. The strongest proposals are those that are flexible and have room for growth. Additionally, the proposal should demonstrate that you can plan and execute an exhibition with a clear and cohesive concept, rather than presenting disparate works or a monographic/retrospective survey of the artists. See below for advice on crafting a strong exhibition proposal.

How do I write a strong, compelling proposal? 

  • Use accessible language, avoiding jargon and buzzwords. If you are referencing art historical or academic ideas, do so in a way that is clear and straightforward.

  • Be specific when writing about each artist’s work. Briefly describe the artist’s practice, and then focus more specifically on the projects or works that you are proposing to include. Make a clear, compelling case for the inclusion of each artist and their work as part of the exhibition concept and in relationship to other works in the exhibition. 

  • Clearly describe the exhibition plan. How will viewers experience the work? Consider the scale and layout of the gallery space. We recommend visiting the space if you’re able to, or reviewing photos and videos before submitting your application.

  • Submit the highest-quality images or video of  the artists’ work. Images and video should be bright, clear, and as detailed as possible.

Can I propose the inclusion of work that has been shown before?
You are welcome to include work that has already been exhibited in your proposal. However, an exhibition proposal that is a repeat of a show that has been presented elsewhere will not be considered.

Can I propose the inclusion of work that has not yet been completed?
Yes. If you are proposing new work, please include samples of past or completed work that provides context for the artist's proposed work. If possible, include renderings, plans, or concept sketches of the proposed work.

Do the artists I propose need to be committed when I submit the application, and/or do they have to be included in the final exhibition?
We encourage applicants to submit a realistic list of artists for the exhibition. We understand and expect that the plan for the show will evolve and that the list of artists may change, but we ask that you start with a list that you think is achievable and that you would be happy to include if your proposal is selected.

What is an impact statement?
The impact statement should address the potential impact of this opportunity on the curator. What would it mean to you to curate an exhibition at CUE at this point in your career?

THE SPACE

Can I propose painting the gallery walls?
Yes. You may include this in your proposal, but please note that it will be contingent upon reviewing the budget in collaboration with CUE.

Are there any limitations on what can be presented in the gallery?
While CUE supports experimental and non-conventional work, there are limitations to CUE’s logistical and physical capacity. Here are a few things that would unduly impact daily operations or go beyond the scope of our resources:

  • The use of animals, bugs, insects

  • Inclusion of potentially harmful materials (fumes, gasses, particles, spores)

  • Elements that require complicated upkeep and maintenance

  • Excessively loud sound

  • Work that requires extensive time for installation and deinstallation

  • Major alterations to the existing architecture of the space

  • Nailing or drilling into the floorboards

Will the exhibition make use of the entire gallery space?
Yes. If you look at the floorplan of the space, there is an entry area where we typically display introductory text. Work can also be installed here, as well as along the hallway leading up to the main gallery space.

Can I see photos or video of the gallery?
Yes. Please see videos from past shows here and a selection of photos here. You can also see images from past shows in our exhibitions archive.

How high are the ceilings in the gallery?
The ceiling in the entry space and the main gallery is 15 feet high. There are pipes and beams in various places at around 14 feet, and the track lighting system is approximately 12 feet from the floor. The ceiling height in the mezzanine area (hallway from the entry space to the main gallery) is 7 feet high.

Can I hang work from the ceiling?
Yes, depending on the level of complexity. CUE’s ceilings are made of concrete. To facilitate more complicated installations, there is also hanging infrastructure on the ceiling that can be drilled into at approximately 14.5 feet from the floor. This infrastructure is in specific locations, so hanging plans may need to be adjusted to accommodate. CUE will seek to support you in efforts to hang work when possible. Feel free to include this in your proposal and we will discuss the options with awardees.

THE APPLICATION

What kind of work samples should I submit? 
You can submit images, video, sound, or any other media that helps to convey the work of the artists and the concepts underpinning your proposal. See below and in Submittable for guidelines.

How many work samples should I submit?
The application will let you submit up to 15 image files and 5 links to time-based work (video/audio). Please do not include files that contain collages, multiple images, or compilations of work. They will not be reviewed.

IMAGES:

  • Upload at least one image per artist (up to 15 images total). 

    • Images must be submitted as JPEG, PNG, or PDF files, with filenames formatted as: ARTISTLASTNAME_1.jpeg. 

    • Images should be optimized for web/screen preview and no larger than 2 MB each. 

    • We recommend images that are 72 dpi and around 2000 px on the longest side.

  • Please include a detailed work sample list formatted as follows:

    • Filename (eg. ARTISTLASTNAME_1.jpg)

    • Artist name, artwork title, year, medium, dimensions

    • Any additional descriptions that help reviewers to understand the work

TIME-BASED WORK (VIDEO/AUDIO):

  • If applicable, you can provide up to 5 links to video and time-based work. 

    • Vimeo is preferred for video. Soundcloud is preferred for audio. 

    • Please note that video and audio samples exceeding 3 minutes may not be viewed in their entirety. 

    • Please provide a password if necessary. 

    • For longer works, we recommend creating an excerpt or providing a cue point in the notes. 

  • Please include the following information along with your time-based work samples:

    • URL

    • Password (if applicable)

    • Artist name, artwork title, year, duration

    • Any additional descriptions that help reviewers to understand the work

Do I have to submit a budget with my application? 
This year, we are not requiring curatorial project applicants to include a budget as part of their application. During the exhibition planning process, the awardee and CUE will discuss the budget together. However, please note that CUE allocates funds to be divided amongst the artists participating in the group show, and each artist must be paid a minimum artist fee of $350 as set by W.A.G.E. standards. We are often able to allocate in excess of this amount for each artist’s fee, and will discuss with the selected curator once they are awarded the project.

Is there a fee waiver available for my application?
The $10 application fee helps to support CUE’s programs and operating expenses. We do not want this fee to be a barrier or burden to applicants. Please contact opencall@cueartfoundation.org to request a fee waiver if needed.

Can I submit my application by mail or email?
No. Applications will only be accepted online through Submittable.

I made a mistake with my application, but I already submitted it. Can I edit the proposal?
No. All applications are final. Please carefully review your proposal before submitting. Incomplete or duplicate applications will be disqualified. If you had a technical issue while submitting, please contact us.

The online system isn't working (or is slow, buggy, etc).
We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues due to the volume of applications. If you’re experiencing issues with Submittable, you can contact their customer support at (855) 467-8264. 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, email opencall@cueartfoundation.org. Due to the high volume of requests, we ask that you send all inquiries via email. Please do not contact us by phone.