Exhibition Proposal Guidelines

The American Federation of Arts (AFA) has been at the forefront of organizing traveling art exhibitions for more than 100 years. Its national and international exhibition program serves to benefit the museum community and enrich the public’s understanding and appreciation of art and culture. Exhibition concepts are developed by AFA curatorial staff in collaboration with eminent institutions and curators around the world. The AFA also accepts unsolicited proposals for traveling exhibitions. An exhibition proposal should include the following:

Exhibition Description

An abstract of 1,000 to 1,500 words describing the exhibition’s premise and objective(s). This should discuss the exhibition’s themes, intended audience, cultural and scholarly significance, curatorial viewpoint, unique approach to the subject, and timeliness, as well as explain why the exhibition should travel. The description should also address the proposed exhibition catalogue, outlining essay subjects and author(s) and the curator’s relevant qualifications. Any additional information that could impact the viability of the project (potential museum venues, prospective funders, etc.) should also be included.

Preliminary Checklist

A checklist of works proposed for the exhibition, including artist, title, date, medium, dimensions, and if possible, lender’s name and location.

Images

Ten to twenty color images of representative works included in the preliminary checklist. Images can be submitted as digital attachments, or as a link to a website.

Practical Considerations

Any available information regarding estimated space, display, conservation, loan fee(s), and security requirements.

Curators Résumé

Résumé and full contact information for the exhibition’s curator(s).

Please send completed proposal to:

Russell Lord
Director of Curatorial Affairs
American Federation of Arts
305 East 47th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10017

E: rlord@amfedarts.org