CURATORIAL SUBMISSIONS
Curators are invited to submit proposals for possible inclusion in TYPOLOGY’s yearly program of exhibitions and events. We define the term Curator to mean any person or group that is critically engaged in curatorial practice — meaning here the research, development, writing, design, and production of original exhibitions and other projects on any topic — including independent curators, artist-curators, curatorial teams, not-for-profit arts and culture organizations, and more. Emerging curators and cross-disciplinary curatorial projects are also very welcome.
Our Program
TYPOLOGY provides a venue and context for curators in all stages of development. Projects are supported and promoted through the design, production, and distribution of announcements, press releases, brochures and/or limited edition catalogues, and the programming of related events throughout the exhibition/event run. Installation assistance, documentation, and insurance will also be provided. A reasonable budget for curator/artist remuneration and other expenses will be developed on a case-by-case basis.
As an independent curator-led initiative, our focus is on critically engaged, collaborative and/or cross-disciplinary practices, underrepresented artists and/or art forms, and community outreach and education in art and exhibition-making. Submissions that consider our mandate, programs, spatial constraints/opportunities, context, and audiences have the best chances for success. Projects designed to stimulate ideas and dialogue between artists, art forms, ideas, images, objects, environments, and audiences are always encouraged.
Guest curators should be seeking to gain experience all aspects of exhibition-making and/or project production and are therefore expected to have a hands-on approach at the project space, including receiving, installing, and de-installing artwork in collaboration with the artists and the project space curator. To the extent that it is possible, some gallery sitting and/or participation in the development of exhibition-related events is also expected. Examples of events include the exhibition/project opening, catalogue and/or edition launches, curatorial and artists talks, performances, workshops, and/or other cross-disciplinary programming to be developed in collaboration with the artists and the project space.
Please note: Thoughtful, critical attention to the artists and artworks featured in our projects is a key part of our program and a catalogue essay and interviews with exhibiting artists will be required from the guest curator well in advance of the opening. Strong preference will be given to submissions with a fully fleshed-out proposal and/or completed draft essay. TYPOLOGY reserves the right to edit submitted writing in collaboration with the writer and/or a third-party editor.
The Space
The 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. There is the option of using additional space in and around Artscape Youngplace if the exhibition requires it; budgets and schedules would be adjusted accordingly. Click for a PDF of the floor plan.
Submission Guidelines
Update (April 2016): TYPOLOGY has decided not to move to an online submissions process until budgets will allow for a fully automated system. As such, please send your submission the usual way, including the following materials:
— Curatorial proposal including exhibition concept, description, and estimated budget
— Two writing samples (e.g., draft essay for the exhibition catalogue, and/or other essays, articles, or reviews)
— Exhibition checklist with artwork/object images and information (artist/maker, title, date, media, dimensions)
— Sketches, plans, or diagrams relating to our floor plan
— Curator’s resume or CV and contact information
— Artists’ statements and CVs, if applicable
— List of any relevant URLs: websites, projects, videos, publications and/or press
— Letter of introduction including your interest in TYPOLOGY (i.e., how you heard of us, how your project fits within our program)
Image resolution of 72 dpi is recommended — we will request higher resolution images and/or studio visits if your proposal if selected for further consideration. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please address any questions to submissions (at) typology (dot) ca.
Review Process
Update (April 2016): In an effort to be more democratic and transparent in our review process, we have convened a Submissions Review committee of five individuals drawn from our Executive and Advisory Boards (in progress). Our goal is to provide support and educational outreach to all applicants regardless of the outcome of their submission, so if you have submitted, please rest assured that your proposal has not been forgotten and will receive the full consideration of at least five professionals committed to the mission and mandate of the organization going forward.
TYPOLOGY programs exhibitions at least a year in advance, so decisions may not be made for many months. Proposals will be reviewed on a rotating basis and our intention is to respond to all submissions in time, so please be patient. Successful applicants will be contacted for further discussion and possible inclusion in our yearly program. Thank you in advance for your interest and participation.