Annual Call for Curatorial Proposals
James Library & Center for the Arts
24 West Street, Norwell, MA
Exhibition Dates: July 2, 2027 to August 27, 2027
Opening Reception: Friday, July 2, 2027 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Eligibility:
This is an opportunity for both emerging and experienced curators to present a project or idea with support from the James Library & Center for the Arts. You must be age 18 or older to submit a proposal. All proposals must be submitted online through this form. One proposal per curator per application round.
Benefits:
- $750 stipend
- Printing of show text, poster, and promotional postcards
- Online exhibition listing, press release, and social media promotion
- Installation assistance
- Refreshments and staff support at the Opening Reception
- Staffing of the gallery during the exhibition
Curatorial Requirements:
- Artwork by the curator may not be presented as part of the proposed exhibit
- The curator must include a public event in their proposal; this could be a curatorial walkthrough, a moderated panel discussion with the artists, or another idea of the curator's choosing
- The curator must be available for a minimum of two in-person or remote meetings with James staff
- Adhere to all agreed-upon dates and deadlines, as established with the James staff including exhibition installation, opening reception, and curatorial event
- Exhibitions must be installed in three days or less
- Manage all artist communications, including loan agreements
- Write all exhbition content including wall labels and press materials
- In order to receive the advertised stipend, curators must be able to complete a W9 form; the James cannot offer visa sponsorship
Artwork Requirements:
- All pieces must be available for exhibit throughout the duration of the exhibition
- Artists, or an assigned representative, must submit artwork in person
- All artwork must be labeled on the back with artist name, title of work, phone number, email, and mailing address
- Artworks must be entirely the work of the artist, executed without the supervision of an instructor
- Artists should have all the rights to present and publish their artworks
- Entries must not be copies or derivatives based in any way on other copyrighted or published paintings, photographs, or other artistic work
- Any installations must require less than 25% of floor surface area of the Art Gallery
Any A/V equipment required for the exhibit will need to be provided by the artist(s)
- 2D pieces must not exceed 48 inches x 72 inches (including diagonal) or weigh more than 75 pounds, if hung
- Works must be framed or otherwise ready for hanging/installation, no French Cleat style hangers are allowed
- Large 2D pieces normally framed in glass that exceed 48 inches in either direction must be framed using an acrylic glazing (such as Plexiglass) only.
- Any sculpture or 3D pieces that requires a pedestal must be delivered with the pedestal
- Sculpture entries cannot weigh over 200 lbs
- 3D pieces must not exceed 36 inches x 60 inches
- A 35% commission/donation for sold artwork is due to the James within 14 days from close of the exhibit
Application Checklist:
- Curator's Bio (300 word maximum)
- Curator's Statement (300 word maximum)
- Curatorial Proposal, uploaded as one PDF with the following components:
- Proposal text that outlines the exhibition theme, concept, and overall vision
- An explanation of why the exhibition is relevant now and how it connects to the mission and community of the James Library & Center for the Arts
- Proposed artists and artworks with images
- Installation sketch (optional but recommended) that gives a general idea of how the artwork might be displayed
Submission Fees*:
$30 entry fee
*All fees are non-refundable
Important Dates:
- September 15 through November 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST: entries accepted through Jotform
- December 18, 2026: Curator notification
- December - May: Curator works with James staff to finalize exhibition
- July 2, 2026: Opening Reception from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- August 28, 2027: Last day of exhibition
- August 31 - September 4, 2027: Pickup of unsold artwork during business hours
About the James Library & Center for the Arts
Named the best gallery on the South Shore 2025, the James Library & Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization offering programs in music, art, and literature. Housed in a landmark 1874 Victorian building in the heart of historic Norwell Center, in Norwell, Massachusetts. The James features a concert hall with a Steinway B grand piano, a free lending library, and art gallery exhibition opportunities.