MOMENTUM 2026 Emerging Curator

MOMENTUM 2026: EMERGING CURATOR APPLICATION

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition seeks an Emerging Curator for MOMENTUM 2026. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, MOMENTUM is an interactive, multidisciplinary art event highlighting artists ages 18-30 in a juried exhibition. The Emerging Curator will work in mentorship with the Guest Curator to select and work with Spotlight Artists as they create their artwork, write a curatorial statement, and assist with jurying the General Survey exhibition. The Guest and Emerging Curators will schedule monthly meetings and communication with the Spotlight Artists to discuss their concepts and see progress and may asked to write about the artists' work and/or speak about the work during the exhibition. The Emerging Curator must be available during the preparation for and installation of the exhibition
 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be Oklahoma residents at the time of application and through the installation of the exhibition. Previous curatorial experience is helpful, but not required. Applicants may be of any age over 18. Past MOMENTUM Emerging Curators are not eligible, however previous applicants are encouraged to resubmit. The Guest Curator will select the Emerging Curator based on promise as an active curator, passion for emerging artists, and compatibility with the Guest Curator.

Curator applicants must be OVAC members to apply. Membership benefits include access to OVAC's members' only resources, inclusion in OVAC's online Artist Gallery, discount for ASK workshops, entry fees waived for OVAC opportunities, and more. Student memberships are $25 per year and individual memberships are $45 per year. Join OVAC today.

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Applications must include a Cover Letter and a current version of your Resume/CV. Cover Letters should outline your background in the arts and/or any curatorial projects you have or are currently working on. Explain your interest in being a part of MOMENTUM, any relevant experience in curatorial work, plus how this project will affect your future aspirations.

Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted.
 

HONORARIUM:

The Emerging Curator will receive a $750 honorarium.

TIMELINE:

Oct 1 - Emerging Curator Applications Open

Nov 1 - Emerging Curator Applications Due

Nov 8 - Spotlight Artists Applications Due

Nov 24 - Guest and Emerging Curators select Spotlight Artists

Early-Mid Dec - Spotlight Artist Orientation via Zoom with Guest Curator, Emerging Curator, Spotlight Artists, and OVAC Staff. Exact Date and Time TBD. 

Jan-Mar - Monthly check-ins with Curator, Emerging Curator, and Spotlight Artists 

Jan 5 - General Survey Applications Due

Jan 19 - Guest and Emerging Curators select General Survey Artists

Mar 25-26 - MOMENTUM Install 

Mar 27-28 - MOMENTUM at The Yale Theater in Oklahoma City

Note: Dates may be subject to change.
 

QUESTIONS:

 Questions are encouraged! Please contact ariana@ovac-ok.org.