Coos Art Museum (CAM) and Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) are thrilled to announce the launch of the Guest Curator Program. This pilot project will highlight emerging curatorial voices and enrich the South Coast art community. Guest curators receive hands-on experience working with Coos Art Museum and SWOCC faculty and staff while sharing valuable new perspectives and interpretations of South Coast creativity.

As part of this partnership, the Guest Curator will work with Coos Art Museum staff to curate artwork placement for incoming exhibitions, participate in the Interpretation and Education Committee to help select future artists and exhibitions, and jury submissions for Expressions West 2025. The Guest Curator will also work with SWOCC faculty and staff to create exhibitions or performance-based projects on site at the college.

This pilot program will run from February 2025 to August 2025. There will be a $500 monthly stipend provided by CAM.

Program Benefits

• A complimentary CAM Curator’s Circle Membership (valued at $500), providing exclusive access and benefits.
• Deep discounts on CAM art education programs.
• Your bio and photo featured on CAM and SWOCC websites and social media platforms.
• Special tours of CAM and SWOCC collection and storage areas.
• Additional travel stipends and SWOCC meal plan options may be available for individuals traveling longer distances.

Eligibility

We encourage applications from local and regional artists, emerging artists and curators, art historians, educators, and other art enthusiasts who have a keen eye for storytelling and exhibit design. Whether you’re looking to gain curatorial experience, bring your artistic vision to a wider audience, or contribute to the cultural richness of the Oregon Coast, this program is for you. Individuals from Oregon’s South Coast are encouraged to apply.  All applicants must be aged 18 and up.

Decision Criteria

Applications are reviewed by Museum and SWOCC staff. While a successful applicant may not have experience in each of these areas, these are the general rubrics we will use to assess applicants:

• Artistic Vision and Creativity
  • Demonstrated ability to develop compelling exhibition concepts and narratives.
  • Innovative approach to curation and the ability to bring fresh perspectives to gallery exhibitions.
• Relevant Experience
  • Prior experience in curating exhibitions, whether professionally, academically, or as part of personal projects.
  • Background in the arts (e.g., artist, art historian, arts educator) with a strong understanding of exhibition planning and design.
• Collaborative Skills
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with teams, including staff, artists, and other stakeholders.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and public interaction.
• Vision for Community Engagement
  • Alignment with the missions of the Museum and SW
  • Ideas for engaging the community and enhancing the museum’s public programming through curatorial work.

Preparing your Application Materials

Required

• Letter of Interest: Please describe your vision for your participation in the program and how your participation will benefit the South Coast community. Your response should be approximately 500 to 700 words.
• Resume or CV
• Contact information

Optional

• Visual portfolio showcasing past curatorial work, art projects, or other relevant creative endeavors.

Please note that all application materials must be sent as Microsoft Word documents or pdfs.

Apply

Applications will be accepted from December 1 to December 20, 2024 and are reviewed upon receipt. The successful applicant will begin by February 10, 2025. For more information or to apply, please send an email to lheins@coosartmuseum.org with the subject line “GUEST CURATOR PROGRAM.”