2017 MPfYCC Call for Submissions

The Middlebrook Prize invites curators under the age of 30 to submit an innovative proposal for an exhibition that will be presented at the Art Gallery of Guelph from September 14 to December 17, 2017.

By supporting and mobilizing Canadian creative talent, the Middlebrook Prize aims to inspire positive social change through creativity and connectedness in an era of ongoing and unprecedented economic, environmental, social, and cultural challenges.

The winning curator will receive an honorarium of $5,000.

2017 Jurors

• Nancy Campbell, Independent curator and writer on contemporary and Inuit art (Toronto)
• Natasha Chaykowski, 2014 Middlebrook Prize Recipient (with Alison Cooley), Director, Untitled Art Society (Calgary)
• Rhéanne Chartrand, Aboriginal Curatorial Resident, McMaster Museum of Art (Hamilton)

Applications must include:

• cover letter: Applicants are asked to share their perspective on the health and vitality of art in Canada, particularly in relation to the milestone moment of the nation’s sesquicentennial, as well as what the Prize means to them as a career-enriching opportunity
• exhibition proposal (one page): Proposal must include contact information, curatorial statement, list of artists, and description of potential outreach programming
• exhibition budget: Not exceeding $10,000 and including artist fees (per CARFAC 2017 fee schedule for Category II institutions), shipping via an accredited art transportation company, any special equipment requirements for the exhibition, a description of unique or unusual installation requirements, projected travel/accommodation expenses for curator
• one sample of critical writing: curatorial essay or published article/review, for example
• curriculum vitae: maximum 3 pages
• support images (10): with descriptions (artist name, title, date, medium, dimensions) inclusive of 7 images supporting exhibition proposal and 3 images documenting past curatorial work
• floor plan: detailing the proposed layout of works

Notes:

• The award winner must be under 30 years of age by December 31, 2017 and is required to demonstrate proof of age on signing of the exhibition contract.
• The Prize is open to Canadian citizens, as well as non-Canadians currently living and working in Canada.
• If the Prize is awarded to a non-Canadian curator, they must be resident in Canada for the full term of the Prize (March through December 2017)

Applications are to be submitted in a single PDF document, with the subject line Middlebrook Prize, in care of: Alex Hartstone, Community Engagement Coordinator ahartstone@artgalleryofguelph.ca

The Middlebrook Prize for Young Canadian Curators is funded by the Centre Wellington Community Foundation’s Middlebrook Social Innovation Fund, The Guelph Community Foundation: Musagetes Fund, and by private donations.

The Art Gallery of Guelph acknowledges the support of the Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Visit middlebrookprize.ca for more information on the prize and past winners.