CALL FOR PANEL PROPOSALS

CALL FOR PANEL PROPOSALS

2024 ART CURATORS CONFERENCE

DEADLINE JULY 31

We are thrilled to announce the commencement of the application process for session proposals centered around the theme of Now/Next for the 2024 Art Curators Conference. Organized by AAMC Foundation, this conference aims to explore the dynamic interplay between the past, present, and future in the world of museums, arts organizations, and related fields.

The event will take place in San Francisco, California, with all sessions and keynotes scheduled for Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3. Additional activities will be held on Wednesday, May 1, and Saturday, May 4.

At the 2024 Art Curators Conference, we seek to propel conversations that will shape the relevance, significance, and enduring value of our work for generations to come. Embracing the theme of Now/Next, we invite curators, arts professionals, collectors, artists, and advocates to participate actively in this transformative dialogue.

Join us in exploring the exciting possibilities of Now/Next and charting a path towards an inspiring future for the arts. We eagerly await your thoughtful proposals to make the 2024 Art Curators Conference an unforgettable event.

We invite all current AAMC members to submit their thought-provoking

panel proposals before July 31, 2023.

A few questions that might spark panel themes include: 

• What can curators and organizations do to further prioritize and advance inclusion and belonging across a complex understanding of identity? 
• Are there existing or new organizational models that will best support and grow the current and future relevance of our work?
• How can exhibition priorities and planning schedules be creatively thought through and managed in order to respond better to timely topics?
• Are there additional opportunities to investigate and bring forward multi-narrative perspectives and non-linear histories in acquisitions, labels, installations, permanent collections, exhibitions, and more? 
• Are there new ways of working and technological advancements that can help address and change entrenched behaviors impacting climate concerns, such as travel carbon footprints, storage and transportation for loans and permanent collections, escorts/trips for fairs, donor programs, and the like?

Proposal Guidelines:

• Proposals should consider varying ways in which curators can be a guiding voice in the Now/Next, with an emphasis on expanded views and not limited to curator-only perspectives.
• Themes explored in panels should reflect the broader societal context, including environmental, racial, equity, and heritage considerations.
• Proposals must encompass a holistic approach, investigating issues beyond the curatorial lens.
• Finalized speakers are not expected in the proposals, and inviting speakers is discouraged as suggestions and changes may be requested by the jurors.
• Inclusivity should be a primary consideration, encompassing diverse self-identifiers, fields of expertise, organizations, and geographic locations.
• Panels should adopt a discussion model, incorporating case studies and open dialogue, with time allocated for audience Q&A.
• Each panel can accommodate one virtual speaker.

Timeline and Vetting:

• Current AAMC members may submit their proposals through the online portal until July 31, 2023.
• The selection process will prioritize strong proposals while ensuring a balanced representation of topics relevant to curators from diverse institutions and specializations.
• Late submissions will not be considered.
• Successful proposals will receive notification by September 1, 2023.

FAQs:

• Only current AAMC members are eligible to submit proposals, and each proposal requires a moderator who commits to attending the Conference in-person.
• Panel participants, including moderators, will receive complimentary Conference registration, members' party tickets, a one-year membership (if eligible), and a $100 stipend. However, travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered.
• The conference encourages submissions that embrace diversity and inclusivity across various identifiers, backgrounds, and expertise.
• All panels are expected to adhere to the discussion model format, avoiding formal paper presentations.
• The AAMC may offer modification requests as part of the process to shape the overall Conference program.

Submit your proposals before the deadline: July 31, 2023.