in vitro Open Call for Emerging Curators
Gossamer Fog is inviting applications to participate in our new curatorial incubation programme, ‘in vitro’. We are selecting three emerging curators, collaborative curatorial projects or collectives to research, develop and present a project or projects within our new dedicated in vitro space, located at Enclave Projects, Deptford, South East London.
in vitro is an opportunity for the selected emerging curators to work independently, gaining valuable experience in working with a budget and a flexible gallery space. We also offer additional curatorial guidance and mentoring from Gossamer Fog. Those selected will each be provided with a free 5 week period at in vitro in which to develop, install and present their project to the public. The new in vitro space is a glass fronted, well presented gallery space of 222 sq ft with high ceilings, shared kitchen/toilets and exhibition equipment. Gossamer Fog will also provide a total of £1000 towards the production budget for each successful applicant to use as they see fit for costs relating to their project such as: curator fee, artist fees, materials, promotion etc. Gossamer Fog can provide certain equipment for the proposed projects, such as TVs, projector, VR headsets, speakers, chairs, ladders and other tools and equipment (subject to availability). Both Gossamer Fog and Enclave Projects will also help with promotion of events and exhibitions through their website and social media channels.
Gossamer Fog is interested in working with all art forms and media, though the gallery programme does have an ongoing broad interest in the social and ecological impact of new digital technologies. The selected curators will share some of the interests explored in our programme: actively joining a critical and speculative discussion that Gossamer Fog is committed to nurturing.
We are open to a wide range of project formats, be it a straight forward exhibition, a series of public programme events, workshops, performances, livestream events, evolving immersive installations, etc… or a combination of these.
Eligibility
- Early career curators, collaborative curatorial projects/collectives, who do not yet hold a position as curator for any other galleries or creative organisations.
- Students are welcome to apply, however they must be able to commit to their in vitro project during their selected 5 week period.
- We encourage applications from those from low-socioeconomic, BAME, LGTBQ+ and other underrepresented backgrounds.
- Whilst we welcome applications from artists who also have a curatorial practice, any artists submitting a proposal that includes their own artwork will not be accepted.
Criteria
- The project must be open to the public for a minimum of 9 days spread over 3 weeks.
- The supplied budget should only be spent on activity relating to your in vitro project.
- You must be available to work and invigilate at in vitro over your chosen 5 week period (this can be on a part-time capacity as we anticipate that you may have other work or study commitments).
- If not based in London you must be in London for the duration of the in vitro residency period. (Gossamer Fog cannot provide accommodation, and the project budget must not be used to cover these costs).
- You may wish to apply for additional funding to support your project, if your application is successful Gossamer Fog can provide a letter of support.
Submission
Please send the following to submit@gossamerfog.com by 12th January 2024 at 11:59pm
1. x1 A4 page with name(s), place of residence, short bio and/or CV, and links to or information of any previous projects you have curated or been involved in.
2. x1 A4 page written proposal outlining your idea/project including:
- Short summary of the concept, research behind the project.
- What form the project would take, what public activities would take place?
- Who are the artists you would like to invite or what are the works you would like to show? (These do not have to be your final selection but will help us get a feeling of the sort of project you are proposing).
3. Up to 5 images illustrating your proposal or of your previous projects
4. Your preference for which 5 week period to work at in vitro (you may choose more than one):
- 5th February – 11th March 2024
- 12th March – 16th April 2024
- 17th April - 22nd May 2024
You can find a floor plan of the in vitro space here
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the open call on the 15th January.
You can download a copy of the open call as a PDF here
If you have any questions regarding your application please email: info@gossamerfog.com
Gossamer Fog is an artist-run gallery, organisation and CIC in SE London, founded in 2016. We commission new risk-taking artwork and produce exhibitions and events cultivating critical artistic investigations around technology, science, ecology and society; specialising in nurturing new creative technologies within the arts.
Enclave Projects is an artist-run, non-profit infrastructure in Deptford, South East London hosting a community of galleries and creative organisations within a row of 10 Enclave units. Championing experimental, critical, ambitious and relevant art practice, with attention given to non-profit, DIY, radical and artist-led organisations and galleries who deliver projects that make a difference to the local community and wider arts sector. Over the years Enclave has played an important role for visual arts in South East London, hosting projects from a wide variety of young influential curators, artists and organisations, attracting local, national and international audiences. The project has been invaluable for many young artists, galleries and creative projects, allowing them the chance to sustainably begin their professional journey and flourish.
We support young curators, artists, collectives and organisations through subsidised below market rent, and funded pop-up opportunities. Offering an alternative model to the increasing cost of commercial renting, by creating a unique opportunity for young projects and non-profits to develop and and thrive.
