Guest Curator Program

The word curate means to accumulate, to organize and to arrange content.

This program was designed to allow Ohio University and community members to partake in the creative and central role of the curatorial process here at The Kennedy Museum of Art (KMA).

The KMA welcomes all ideas and is prepared to work with guest curators to develop exhibitions from start to finish. Proposals for exhibitions are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed by an advisory board panel twice a year.

The museum staff may request additional information or revisions for further review. Exhibition proposals are selected and scheduled 18-26 months in advance, so plan accordingly.

A potential timeline can be viewed here. [PDF]
Preparator Jeff Carr checking installation progress
student interns installing exhibition

All applications must meet the proposal requirements and overall mission. Before submission, please familiarize yourself with the KMA’s mission statement, proposal criteria, past exhibitions and galleries. All proposals must be written with the intent of being installed in one of the two major gallery spaces.

A gallery map is available to aid applicants in creating a clear vision of the proposed exhibition. [PDF]

Proposal Criteria

  • Clarity and articulation of the big idea
  • Appropriate fit for the KMA’s capabilities
  • Innovative thematic approaches and transdisciplinary viewpoints
  • Connections with Ohio University initiatives and mission
  • Opportunities for student involvement
  • Opportunities for engaging programming such as lectures, performances, discussions and educational activities
  • Availability of curator(s) to play an integral role in the execution of exhibitions and associated events/programming

View proposal guidelines here. [PDF]

Proposals and questions should be sent to: quinnl@ohio.edu

The Kennedy Museum of Art allows for up to three guest curators for a single exhibition. The selected guest curator(s) will receive a stipend of $1500 per curator.

In order to support the KMA’s mission to enhance the intellectual and cultural life at Ohio University, every exhibition must align with the University’s initiatives.

Proposals must incorporate opportunities for student learning and partnerships with academic departments and courses while also appealing to a broader audience. Further information about Ohio University’s values and initiatives can be found at https://www.ohio.edu/focus/.

The Museum encourages transdisciplinary proposals, or proposals relating to more than one branch of knowledge.

Applicants are encouraged to use Ohio University and community collections as well as alternative collections for their proposal.

KMA does not present group or solo exhibitions of student artists.

Student curators must have a faculty or staff advisor.

Guest curators cannot exhibit their own work in proposed shows.

View our Sample Curatorial Agreement for more information. KMA’s goal is to help facilitate successful outcomes for well-written proposals. Applicants are welcome to meet with museum staff while writing a proposal for additional guidance.
crowd attending exhibition opening reception