guest curators program: 2027 season

Stove Works and a panel of outside Jurors select two Guest Curator proposals to showcase in Stove Works' main gallery space for the 2027 exhibition season. The Guest Curators will be provided a curator’s fee, an exhibition budget, a programming budget, and support from Stove Works staff.

Additionally, Guest Curators are invited to participate in the Stove Works Residency program for 1-3 months leading up to and during the exhibition. If they choose to participate in the residency, their stay must occur in the month of the exhibition opening at the very least.

What we're looking for

A strong applicant is one who is clear about their intentions for the proposal, writes a thoughtful and clear response to the “listening” question, and whose proposal can realistically be accomplished within the 12.5K project budget and Stove Works' capacity as an organization.

Keep in mind Stove Works has a small staff, and unless you budget for additional temporary labor, we will do everything in-house, soup-to-nuts, and we appreciate a Curator who can roll up their sleeves and get dirty with us (although not a requirement).

Last year, we received 30 applications for two exhibition slots, a 6% acceptance rate. It is a competitive and rare opportunity for emerging and independent curators.

What is Expected of Guest Curators:

The below list is not comprehensive and is subject to change.

Work with us!

• Work collaboratively with Stove Works staff. Participate in regular Exhibition and Program planning meetings—by phone, Zoom, or in person. Maintain, at a minimum, monthly correspondence/check-in with Exhibition Staff.
• Follow all schedules provided by Stove Works within the Exhibition Timeline.
• Collaborate with Programming staff to develop exhibition programs that thoughtfully engage with the communities of Chattanooga.
• Agree to participate in at least one public program, such as an Exhibition walk-through or Artist panel, in coordination with Stove Works’ Programs Director.

Exhibition Design

• Available for a site visit during exhibition planning.
• Available to work with Stove Works staff to design the exhibition layout.
• Initiate conversation between participating Artists and Stove Works staff about shipping/transportation of artwork with each Artist.

Artist Selection

• Follow W.A.G.E Floor fees.
• Select at least one Artist from Chattanooga or within the Thrive Region
• Select no more than 15 Artists for the Exhibition unless otherwise agreed upon with Stove Works.
• Make every attempt to ensure equitable representation of Artists across demographics and geographies.
• If the curator decides to run an open call for work submissions, they are responsible for providing the application questions and reviewing all submitted applications.

Deliverables

• Provide Stove Works with a fully developed curatorial statement/Exhibition narrative.
• Available to attend the opening reception event, speak with the press, and provide a curator’s talk (typically the day after the reception.)
• Provide content for any Stove Works-approved artwork labels
• Aid in the collection of artist statements, bios, and work statements for the exhibition booklet