The 2022 Curatorial Seminar will bring together six early-career curators who are based in Chicago, as part of ICI's growing slate of initiatives in the Mississippi River Basin Region. In this eight-session professional development program, emerging curators will work closely with expert faculty to develop the tools necessary to establish a strong first-person approach to curating, and to support overlooked artists and engage with local art communities while working outside of a large institution. Participants will also regularly share their work and resources with one another, creating an affirming network of peers around shared values that can help mitigate the need for institutional validation and provide meaningful access to a broad range of perspectives and curatorial models.
From talks and readings to personal mentoring and project development, the Curatorial Seminar offers a variety of opportunities for participants to work with ICI’s network and share ideas as they advance their own curatorial practices. The program consists of a five-seminar series led by ICI staff, guest curators, artists, and other arts professionals; shared readings and suggested in-person site visits; and individual advisements sessions with mentors identified by participants and ICI staff. Throughout the three-month duration, each participant will also work on developing a project or exhibition proposal with feedback from the group and faculty members.
The Curatorial Seminar, Chicago, is made possible by a grant from the Joyce Foundation, and with the support of ICI's Board of Trustees.