On the occasion of the 2016 Aboriginal Curatorial Collective/Collectif des commissaires autochtones National Gathering, the ACC/CCA and the Yukon Arts Centre (YAC) invite First Nations, Inuit and Métis curators to submit curatorial proposals for an exhibition at the Yukon Art Centre Public Gallery in Whitehorse, from September 9 to November 19, 2016. The ACC/CCA values the transmission of knowledge and experience between senior and emerging Indigenous curators. We welcome proposals from curators interested in mentoring an emerging Yukon-based Indigenous curator* while performing the duties involved in crafting their exhibition. We are seeking proposals from both prospective mentors and from prospective mentees – proposals will be accepted in the format of individual or team applications.
*Yukon-based artists interested in conducting their first curatorial project as a mentee are encouraged to apply.
Extended Deadline for proposals: February 15, 2016.
OPPORTUNITY
The Yukon National Gathering is presented by the ACC/CCA on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwäch’än First Nations from September 28 to 30th, 2016. The event is hosted in partnership with First Nations communities and Yukon arts organizations. The 2016 Gathering provides an opportunity to build relationships between Indigenous artists and curators from Yukon and curators from across this land now known as Canada. The gathering will focus on sharing knowledge and showcasing Yukon’s Indigenous artists through collegial circles, facilitated discussions and arts exhibitions. The overall theme is inspired by the metaphor of a communal fire: something that warms and feeds us, a centering time in which we share, rest and listen.
The Yukon Arts Centre has reserved its 4200 sq.ft. class-A exhibition space for this curatorial opportunity. The selected curatorial team (mentor and mentee) will have access to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, the Yukon Arts Centre Collection and may also work with the Aboriginal Art Collection managed by the Aboriginal Art Centre, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in Gatineau, Quebec.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS
Created in 2005, the Aboriginal Curatorial Collective/Collectif des commissaires autochtones (ACC/CCA) is a national arts service organization that supports, promotes and advocates on behalf of Indigenous curators and artists. The ACC/CCA honours Indigenous knowledges through Indigenous curatorial and artistic practices. We share innovative research and critical discourses on Indigenous arts and cultures. We build an equitable space for Indigenous artistic communities through conscious collaboration and exchange. The Yukon National Gathering will be the seventh colloquium organized by the ACC/CCA since 2005. Previous colloquia were held in Montreal (2014), Toronto (2011), Ottawa (2009), Vancouver (2008), Saskatoon (2007) and Winnipeg (2006).
From its cliffside view of downtown Whitehorse, Yukon Arts Centre (YAC) is the territory’s premier venue for visual and performing arts, hosting cutting-edge work from across Canada. The Yukon Public Art Gallery presents exhibitions all year long, showcasing exciting contemporary art from the North and beyond. YAC intends to be a model for the development of the arts in the North and a stimulus for a vibrant and creative territory.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must be of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit ancestry. Students enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate level studies are not eligible to apply as mentors.
This is an ideal opportunity for professional artist/curators who are recognized as such by their peers, have completed basic training (formal or informal) in your field(s). We do also understand that interested Yukon-based applicants may have alternate experience that qualifies them for this position, whether this has been formally recognized as “curatorial” or not.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Please note that the exhibition thematic must include Yukon Indigenous artists, whether as a part of a proposal that includes Southern artists, other Northern artists or as an exclusively Yukon-based exhibition.
APPLYING AS A MENTOR
- A one page cover letter that provides a brief summary of your curatorial proposal and the nature of your interest in mentoring an emerging Indigenous curator from Yukon;
- a proposal of 1,000 words or less that includes a description of your curatorial
approach, your knowledge of Yukon Indigenous artists and a description of the ways in which your work will connect with the local and national communities; - a c.v. or biography.
APPLYING AS A MENTEE
- A one page cover letter that provides a brief summary of your interest in this project;
- a c.v. or biography;
- please include examples of existing arts practice and/or curatorial project(s).
TERMS AND RESOURCES
The total exhibition budget is up to $10,000, including artist fees, shipping, publication and basic advertising. The curator fee for Mentor / Curator ($3500) (plus travel up to $1500) The honorarium for Yukon-based Mentee ($1500)
GALLERY SPECIFICATIONS
The gallery is located on one level with 370 ft of running wall over 4200 ft2 of floor space. The space is divided by semi-permanent partitions, creating three distinct gallery areas.
- Drywall over 3/4 inch plywood on steel studs
- 14 ft suspended ceiling
- Marmoleum on concrete slab on grade
- Stable 20° C and 40% relative humidity
- Incandescent track light fixtures range from 50 lux to 500 lux. No natural light
REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
Proposals will be reviewed by a panel that will include Indigenous peers as well as YAC and ACC/CCA representatives. Selection will be based on the strength of the curatorial proposal, the willingness to be a mentor/mentee and evidence of their ability to complete the proposed project.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES
Candidates that are successful in this application will be encouraged to explore independent funding sources to increase this activity further either through territorial, provincial or federal grants. Letters of support will be committed to selected candidates to empower this action.
Successful applicants will be notified by February 26, 2016. Please submit your proposal by e-mail to:
Mary Bradshaw
Gallery Director/Curator
Yukon Arts Centre
Tel: 867-667-8485
Email: mary.bradshaw@yac.ca
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Teresa Vander Meer-Chasse Gallery Arts Administration Intern Yukon Arts Centre Public Art Gallery Tel: 867 -667-8460
Email: teresa.chasse@yac.ca
yukonartscentre.com