Application deadline: August 15, 2024
PARCUM and the Park Abbey in Leuven (Belgium) are looking for a curator (individual or collective) to develop a ground-breaking contemporary art exhibition in autumn 2026.
Deadline: August 15, 2024
To flesh out the content of this exhibition, the partners are looking for a curator. Individuals as well as teams and collectives can apply. The exhibition will run from the end of October 2026 to the end of March 2027.
Exhibition format
The exhibition aims to explore the Park Abbeys soul (genius loci) and its significance for the 21st century. The exhibition puts research first, with a special focus on the meaning-making, contextualization and (re)valuation of this ancient place. At the same time, this contemporary art exhibition can appeal to a wide (local and international) and diverse audience.
Main objectives
–Enrich, recalibrate and broaden the perspective, view and experience of the Park Abbey.
–Explore what the contemporary role and multiple meanings of a place like the Park Abbey can be for people today.
–Exploring how we can formulate answers to social questions and trends of today and tomorrow, linked to the soul of the place.
–25,000 visitors
Role of the curator
The curator sets out the artistic vision and substantive storylines (central question, (sub)themes, research, etc.). In consultation and according to the available budgets, a ratio of work to be created in situ and exhibiting existing work is determined. Building on the artistic vision and within the budgetary framework, the curator determines the final selection of artists and locations. With the artistic committee, the curator has a sounding board group to review their proposals. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a publication.
Profile
Given the international ambition of the project, we envision the following profile for the curator:
–At least 5 years of curatorial experience.
–Experience with large-scale art events.
–Experience with art in public spaces and contemporary art integration in heritage sites is a plus.
–A connection with (religious) heritage (tangible, intangible and immovable) and the ability to place it within social issues and challenges.
–An extensive international network within the contemporary arts sector.
–Wants to fully immerse itself in the soul of the place through prospecting and exploration the site.
–Be able to meet physically at regular intervals in the abbey in Leuven (Belgium).
Offer
–An ambitious exhibition, with support from the team of PARCUM and the Park Abbey (production, communication, education, ...).
–An allowance of EUR 35,000 (incl. VAT) for the coordination and realization of the assignment and up to EUR 5,000 (incl. VAT) for travel and accommodation costs.
–An operating budget of EUR 300,000 (incl. VAT).
–A budget of EUR 40,000 (incl. VAT) is provided for the publication.
Procedure
We work with a pre-selection. All applications should send the following elements:
–CV and portfolio with references of the curator(s), demonstrable experience and network.
–Motivation memo and first reflection on the exhibition (max. 1 A4).
Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2024 at the latest via wouter.jaspers@parcum.be.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
–Motivation and affinity with the content of the exhibition.
–Proven experience in putting together contemporary art exhibitions and complex projects.
Three applications will be selected from the pre-selection. You will be informed by August 30, 2024 at the latest whether or not you have been selected. The selected candidates will have until September 20, 2024 to prepare a concept note. The presentation of the concept note will take place during the end of September. The selected candidates will receive a compensation of EUR 1,000 (incl. VAT) for the elaboration and presentation of their concept.
More information?
Contact Wouter Jaspers, museum coordinator (wouter.jaspers@parcum.be / T +32 (0)476 35 08 41) or Koen Adams, program coordinator of the Park Abbey (koen.adams@leuven.be / T +32 (0)475 77 55 61). Or via the website.
