Brief for Submission
Stage One: Open Call
Definition of a Curator
The word “Curator” is used informally in this brief to designate the author(s) of the proposal. Proposals are invited from an individual, collective, or organisation with the knowledge and skill to develop a presentation proposal appropriate to the context of the Venice Biennale.
The Curator for the Irish presentation will be chosen on the strength of concept, organisational capacity and ability to meet requirements of the brief.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have a proven record in the architectural and/or cultural sector and must fulfil the following criteria:
- Engaged with or representative of specific creative and curatorial practices.
- Detailed knowledge of current trends in architecture, nationally and internationally.
- Knowledge of and/or experience in exhibition making.
- Experience in project management and budget management and reporting.
- Organisational capacity and availability to meet time and travel commitments.
- Reporting and editorial skills for documentation and dissemination.
- Networking skills, international links desirable.
Submission Requirements Stage 1
1) Applicants must submit no more than 2 x A4 pages as a PDF that contain:
- An outline of concept of proposed presentation
- A description of the media through which your concept will be conveyed
- An outline of your approach to, and realisation of, the presentation
- A list of the proposed participants and projects
- An outline of how your concept will promote Irish architecture and culture within the platform of the Biennale and subsequent presentation in Ireland
This submission must be accompanied by all relevant biographies
Models or more elaborate proposals should not be submitted at this stage. You may send visuals but it is not essential.
2) The curatorial priorities must:
- Address architectural thinking and the built environment in Ireland
- Demonstrate an element of research and depth in your proposition.
- Involve a theme that is both inspiring and analytical of our current culture in Ireland and relates that analysis to global circumstances.
- Ensure that your proposed presentation is stimulating, visually engaging and in a format suitable for an international and home audience.
Terms and Conditions
The Curator(s) may not be a participant in the exhibition.
No selection panel member may be a participant in the exhibition
The selection panel’s decision is final.
This call for submissions is open to Irish individuals, collective or organisations based in Ireland or abroad, or to those, of any nationality, resident in Ireland.
Submissions will not be returned.
No fees or expenses will be paid for either submission stage.
The receipt of all proposals will be acknowledged. Only the curators of short-listed proposals will be directly informed of the selection panel’s decision and they will be contacted by 12th November.
The IAF cannot commit to providing feedback on proposals that have not been short-listed by the selection panel.
Stage two: Interview
From the information provided in stage one the selection panel will shortlist a number of potential curators who will be invited to present in person to the selection panel, this meeting is likely to be in late November.
The short-listed curators will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal and visual presentation based on the theme established in stage one. At this stage the curators must be in a position to detail how they would deliver the exhibition and how it would engage in the Biennale context, the participants and projects involved must be confirmed, the practical considerations, a budget breakdown based on funding available and fundraising suggestions. They must also be in a position to elaborate on the use of potential spaces, use of marketing and PR, and any proposed associated events during the Biennale.
Deadline for proposals
12 noon on Tuesday 2nd November 2009. Please email your pdf proposal to info@architecturefoundation.ie