Curator-in-residence program

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is now accepting applications from national and international curators for its 2024–25 Curator-in-residence program. Beginning May 2024, the chosen candidate will participate in an 18-month fully subsidized live/work residency as part of Bemis Center’s acclaimed Residency Program. They will originate and present one exhibition and related public programs inclusive of local, national, and international artists. The Curator-in-Residence will also have space and freedom to work on research and curatorial projects independent of their exhibition at Bemis.  

Competitive applicants will possess a strong knowledge of national and international contemporary art and a genuine interest in researching and responding to cultural production in Omaha and the surrounding region. The Curator-in-Residence will also serve as a professional resource for local artists and arts professionals, and as an ambassador of Bemis Center in the community. They will be an integral member of Bemis Center’s Artist-in-Residence Program, stimulating intellectual discourse surrounding contemporary art practice through studio visits, knowledge-sharing workshops, and other organized programs with fellow artists-in-residence.

Working closely with the curatorial team, the Curator-in-Residence will be involved in all curatorial and administrative aspects of organizing one exhibition at the conclusion of their residency. The exhibition will be original, conceptually rigorous, and exemplify the true breadth and experimentation currently defining contemporary art. The exhibition dates are tentatively scheduled for December 2025–April 2026. 

Complete details about this opportunity can be found at here. Residency session: May 22, 2024–December 15, 2025.

The CIR will be responsible for research, artist relations, exhibition design and installation, writing/editing of scholarly texts and didactics, budgeting, conceptualizing and leading exhibition-related public programs, and tours.

The curator-in-residence studio is for single occupancy only; Bemis Center is unable to accommodate partners, children, and pets. There is a 40 USD application fee. Submission of applications is only accepted online here. Complete details about this opportunity can be found here. Applicants who have experience working in alternative art spaces, challenge conventional exhibition formats and are invested in social justice and community-centered programming are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications
Five years equivalent professional work experience in the field; with a minimum of two to three years of curatorial experience in an academic, nonprofit, alternative space, contemporary performing arts and/or commercial gallery setting; Strong knowledge of national and international contemporary art and a keen interest in understanding and working with Omaha’s cultural landscape; Excellent verbal and written communications skills; Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently as well as a team player in a fun, yet demanding, arts organization.

The ideal candidate will understand and promote Bemis Center’s mission and, as an ambassador of the organization, perform all Bemis-related duties in a professional, responsible manner.

Eligibility
Residency opportunities are open to national and international arts professionals 21+ years of age, showing a strong professional working history.

Students enrolled in an academic program during the time of requested residency are not eligible to apply.

Bemis Center welcomes internationally based arts professionals to apply. Proficiency in English is required for international curators. Upon notification of acceptance to the residency, the selected individual will be responsible for preparing and submitting the required personal employment visa materials by November 2023. A J-1 visa is recommended. For more information on the J-1 visa, please visit here. Please note that the Bemis Center cannot provide visas, nor can it sponsor international applicants. All international artists in the residency program must secure their own visas prior to their arrival. Please visit the USCIS website for more information. Bemis Center will provide appropriate documentation and materials to supplement the visa application process. Due to the current state of temporary, immigrant travel policies to the United States, we are unable to guarantee approval. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. As an international call, Bemis Center strives to support applicants from any country. 

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage applicants from a wide range of demographics to apply. If you have questions about accessibility, please contact the Residency Program Coordinator, Carlie Waganer, at T +1 402 341 7130 x 12 or carlie [​at​] bemiscenter.org.

Deadline: August 1, 2023, 11:59pm CST. Notifications to all applicants will be made via email by October 1, 2023.