OPEN CALL:Curator-in-Residence Program at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is now accepting applications from national and international curators for its Curator-in-Residence Program. Beginning January 2019, the successful candidate will participate in a one-year fully subsidized live/work residency as part of Bemis Center’s acclaimed Artist-in-Residence Program. S/he will originate and present three exhibitions and related public programs inclusive of local and national artists. The Curator-in-Residence will work alongside residency and curatorial staff and actively contribute to the overall vision of Bemis Center’s renowned exhibition program. As a residency, the Curator-in-Residence will have the space and freedom to work on research and curatorial projects independent of his/her exhibitions at Bemis.

Competitive applicants will possess a strong knowledge of international contemporary art and a genuine interest in researching and responding to cultural production in Omaha and the region. The Curator-in-Residence is part of the cultural fabric of the city, serving as a professional resource for local artists and arts professionals, and as an ambassador of Bemis Center in the community. S/he will be an integral member of Bemis Center’s Artist-in-Residence Program, stimulating intellectual discourse surrounding contemporary art practice through studio visits, knowledge-sharing workshops, and other organized programs with fellow artists-in-residence.

Reporting to the Program Director, the Curator-in-Residence is a full-time temporary position that will work closely with the Exhibition Program team. S/he will be involved in all curatorial and administrative aspects of organizing three exhibitions over the one-year residency. Exhibitions should be original, conceptually rigorous, and exemplify the true breadth and experimentation currently defining contemporary art. The 2019 exhibition dates are: 21/3-15/6, 11/7-21/9, AND 21/11/19-15/2/20.

Duties include, but are not limited to: research, artist and donor relations, exhibition design and installation, writing/editing of scholarly texts and didactics, budgeting, conceptualizing and leading exhibition-related public programs, and tours.

The Curator-in-Residence studio is for single occupancy only; Bemis Center is unable to accommodate partners, children, and pets at this time.

There is no fee to apply. Submission of applications is only accepted online at bemis.slideroom.com.

About Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Founded in 1981, by artists for artists, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts supports today’s artists through an international artist-in-residence program, temporary exhibitions and commissions, and innovative public programs. Located in the historic Old Market district, Bemis Center serves a critical role in the presentation and understanding of contemporary art, bridging the community of Omaha to a global discourse surrounding cultural production today.

Eligibility

Residency opportunities are open to national and international arts professionals 21+ years of age, showing a strong professional working history.

Students enrolled in an academic program during the time of requested residency are not eligible to apply.

Bemis Center welcomes internationally based arts professionals to apply. A working knowledge of English is helpful for international artists, as an interpreter will not be provided. Upon notification of acceptance to the residency, the selected individual will be responsible for preparing and submitting the required personal employment visa materials by August 2018. A P-3 visa is recommended. Please visit the USCIS website for more information: www.uscis.gov. Bemis Center will provide appropriate documentation and materials to supplement the visa application process. Due to the current state of temporary, immigrant travel policies to the United States, we are unable to guarantee approval. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. As an international call, Bemis Center strives to support applicants from any country.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and disability. If you have questions about accessibility, please contact the Residency Program Manager, Holly Kranker, at T 402 341 7130 x 12 or hollyk@bemiscenter.org

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in curatorial or museum studies, art history, or related field; or five years equivalent professional work experience in the field
2. A minimum of 1–2 years of curatorial experience in an academic, nonprofit, and/or commercial gallery setting
3. Strong knowledge of international contemporary art and a keen interest in understanding and working with Omaha’s cultural landscape
4. Excellent verbal and written communications skills
5. Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently as well as a team player in a fun, yet demanding, arts organization
6. The ideal candidate will understand and promote Bemis Center’s mission and, as an ambassador of the organization, perform all Bemis-related duties in a professional, responsible manner

Apply: bemis.slideroom.com

Deadline: 1/6/18, 11:59pm CST

Notifications to all applicants will be made via email by1/8/18.