OPEN CALL FOR CURATORS


Root Division invites emerging curators to submit proposals for conceptually rigorous group exhibitions in our Main Gallery. Strong exhibition proposals to our curatorial program are innovative, engaging, and conceptually driven. Our Curatorial Open Calls are part of our mission to  provide opportunities to emerging and mid-career Bay Area artists and curators. 

Our exhibition series aims to reach a diverse range of Bay Area audiences, and we value the opportunity to forge organizational partnerships and programming. While Root Division does not exclude artists and curators from outside the Bay Area, our primary focus is developing opportunities for local artists. Strong proposals must feature 100% Bay Area-based artists, and include tangible relevance to the Bay Area if the curator or proposed artists are not local.

Root Division is a visual arts non-profit that connects creativity and community through a dynamic ecosystem of arts education, exhibitions, and studios. The gallery is at the center of the organization’s facility, and as such, this space provides a unique environment in which to curate a show. We strongly encourage you to visit our space and website to familiarize yourself with our past and current exhibition program, and understand the mission of the organization before submitting a proposal.

Guidelines:

  • The strongest proposals offer a conceptually rigorous and nuanced inquiries 
  • This program is designed for emerging curators with under 5 years of curatorial experience
  • Only original exhibition proposals will be considered
  • Curators must be in the Bay Area at the time of the exhibition 
  • Artists and curators that have previously exhibited with Root Division must wait one year before submitting another proposal
  • Exhibitions will be presented at Root Division’s Main Gallery in 2027 or 2028
  • Guest Curators will receive a $3000 curatorial stipend plus production funds to cover approved costs related to installation, marketing, staffing, etc.


SUBMITTING A CURATORIAL PROPOSAL :

Submission Requirements

  • Curator CV/resume
  • Exhibition Proposal
  • Artwork Images (8-10 images on a PDF)

Our Curatorial Committee composed of established Bay Area artists, curators, and arts professionals meets to review all proposals after the deadline.

DEADLINE: July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM

QUESTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Email submissions@rootdivision.org with any questions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION:

Please complete the digital application, including the materials listed below:

  1. CV / RESUME 
    • Please upload a current CV or resume. If there are more than one curator, please upload all CVs in one document.
  2. EXHIBITION PROPOSAL
    • What is the exhibition title?
    • Please briefly describe the curatorial concept, and why this is of interest to you as a curator. (500 words max)
    • How does this particular group of artists address the theme or area of inquiry? (300 words max)
    • Why is this exhibition important to be presented at this moment in time? Does it relate to current issues of contemporary art, political or social discourse or current events? (300 words max)
    • Root Division welcomes collaboration and partnership with peer organizations. If possible, please list any potential educational or programming partners that could enhance this project. (300 characters max)t Division welcomes collaboration and partnership with peer organizations. If possible, please list any potential educational or programming partners that could enhance this project. (300 characters max)
  3. On a single PDF document, please submit up to eight images of artworks you are considering for the exhibition along with artwork information (artist, year, dimensions, medium).

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