{"id":2513,"date":"2022-09-28T21:49:18","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T21:49:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/exhibit-proposal\/exhibit-proposal-guidelines\/"},"modified":"2025-04-08T18:09:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T18:09:42","slug":"guidelines","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/curation\/guidelines\/","title":{"rendered":"Exhibit Proposal Guidelines &amp; Process"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Guidelines<\/h3>\n<h4>Priorities<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW1494753 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW1494753 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">Top consideration will be given to exhibition ideas with well-defined themes, learning <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW1494753 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">objectives<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW1494753 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">, and potential for community and curricular impact that <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW1494753 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">showcase<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW1494753 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\"> collections from the University of Iowa Libraries.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW1494753 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:638,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW130919428 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130919428 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">Potential curators must spend time reviewing relevant collections in the University of Iowa Libraries to ensure ample item options for a compelling display. Examples of relevant collections and specific items should be included in the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW130919428 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">finalist<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130919428 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\"> proposal, but it would be beneficial to include some examples in the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130919428 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">initial<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW130919428 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\"> statement of interest.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW130919428 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:638,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW236223956 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW236223956 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">University of Iowa Libraries collections must be the primary sources from which display items are drawn. Note: As needed, these items may be shown alongside a small selection of approved items loaned from other institutions, campus GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museums) partners, or collectors.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW236223956 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:638,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>There must be potential for the exhibition to grow partnerships across campus and the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Audience<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW224664363 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW224664363 BCX0\">The Main Library Gallery is a learning space both for students and the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW224664363 BCX0\">general public<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW224664363 BCX0\">. Consideration should be given to how undergraduates, graduate students, and community demographics may respond to an exhibition topic.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW224664363 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559737&quot;:240,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Selection<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Four finalist exhibition proposals will be accepted following the conclusion of round two.<\/li>\n<li>Please review the section below about the submission process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Curator expectations<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\">A guest curator in the Main Library Gallery is someone who assembles a research-based story narrative for the exhibition medium. This storytelling is enhanced by a selection of compelling items from the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW143022067 BCX0\">Libraries<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\"> collections. In addition to researching for and curating items for the exhibition, individuals in this role must expect to serve as subject matter experts throughout the duration of an exhibit. This includes some exhibit-related class interaction or instruction, public programming, and serving as a content consultant for exhibit-related videos, social media and blog posts, and other engagement projects being created by <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\">Libraries<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\"> staff to promote an exhibit. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\">Faculty and staff of the University of Iowa are eligible to serve as curators\/co-curators.<\/span> <\/span><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\">Multiple curators are <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\">required<\/span><\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW143022067 BCX0\">in order to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW143022067 BCX0\"> spread out research, production, and public engagement tasks for an exhibit. (Co-curators may also be students and community members if a University of Iowa staff or faculty member serves as lead curator.)<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW143022067 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW158073829 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158073829 BCX0\">Curating an exhibition is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158073829 BCX0\">a significant time<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158073829 BCX0\"> investment, but the exhibit production process will be guided by Gallery staff and a reasonable production calendar. A professional designer, preparator, conservator, and exhibition and engagement coordinator will ensure success.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW158073829 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW80162084 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80162084 BCX0\">Curators are expected to commit to their exhibit project from beginning to end, including completing key curatorial tasks such as research, item selection, narrative text writing, and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80162084 BCX0\">participating<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW80162084 BCX0\"> in public events.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW80162084 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559737&quot;:240,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Curators are expected to meet all agreed-upon deadlines.<\/li>\n<li>Exhibit production staff will exercise executive authority in design and item display.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"TextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\">Curators must receive approval from their <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\">DEO or <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\">direct supervisor prior to beginning the proposal process.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\"> A letter of approval and recommendation will be <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\">required<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\"> for submissions invited to round <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\">two<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW147616361 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW147616361 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559737&quot;:240,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Curators should be prepared to devote approximately 15 months+ to exhibition production and work as a team with co-curators and Libraries exhibition staff.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><em>Example:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>~Nine months of moderate work to plan the exhibition (thorough research, archives visits, narrative outline, item selection, meetings, communication tasks)<\/li>\n<li>~Three months of intensive work before opening day (writing exhibit text, editing, approving designs, co-planning exhibit-related events, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>~<span class=\"TextRun SCXW121719903 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW121719903 BCX0\">Three\u2013five<\/span><\/span> months of intensive work while the exhibition is open, depending upon the exhibit\u2019s run dates (availability as possible to speak with classes and to give guided tours, talks, and other types of exhibit-related programming as agreed upon during event planning)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_2614\" style=\"width: 630px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2023\/02\/Kim_Mark_Janet_POH.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2614\" class=\"wp-image-2614 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2023\/02\/Kim_Mark_Janet_POH-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Three curators work on selecting archival materials.\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2023\/02\/Kim_Mark_Janet_POH-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2023\/02\/Kim_Mark_Janet_POH-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2023\/02\/Kim_Mark_Janet_POH-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2023\/02\/Kim_Mark_Janet_POH-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2023\/02\/Kim_Mark_Janet_POH.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2614\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pull of Horses <em>exhibit co-curators Kim Marra and Mark Anderson selecting materials with help from Janet Weaver, curator of the Iowa Women&#8217;s Archives. Photo: Sara Pinkham.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Proposal submission &amp; selection process<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Step I:<\/strong> Potential curators submit an initial statement of interest, after which the Main Library Gallery Exhibition Proposal Review Committee reviews the collected statements.<span class=\"TextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW11341419 BCX0\">Main<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\"> Library Gallery Exhibition Proposal Review Committee is made up of several UI Libraries staff members, representatives from the Pentacrest Museums and the Stanley Museum of Art, students and faculty, and an <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">a<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">ssociate <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">u<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">niversity <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">l<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">ibrarian. Strong statements are chosen by this committee for the next step.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Step II:<\/strong> The initial statements with the strongest themes, highest potential for impact, and a topic with plentiful available materials for display are invited to create and submit a complete exhibition proposal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Step III:<\/strong> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">The committee reviews and selects the most rounded finalist proposals. <span class=\"TextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">Top consideration will be given to exhibition ideas with well-defined themes, learning <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">objectives<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">, and potential for community and curricular impact that <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\">showcase<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11341419 BCX0\"> collections from the University of Iowa Libraries. <\/span><\/span>Four proposals will be accepted, one each for the following time slots: <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">pring 2027, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">f<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">all 2027, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">pring 2028, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">f<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212914065 BCX0\">all 2028.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Step IV:<\/strong> Approved guest curators begin working with the Gallery\u2019s exhibition and engagement coordinator. A production calendar will be established.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Selection timeline 2025<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>April 7:<\/strong> Deadline for statements of interest. The submission form is now closed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>April 18:<\/strong> First-round decisions are announced. Finalists are invited to write complete proposals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>July 18:<\/strong> Deadline for finalist exhibition proposals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>August 4:<\/strong> 2027 \u2013 2028 exhibitions are announced. Four total proposals will be selected for production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Exhibitions chosen for the Main Library Gallery will be funded by the University of Iowa Libraries, but additional funding procured by curators from other sources is deeply appreciated and should be considered while crafting proposals. Please<a href=\"mailto:sara-pinkham@uiowa.edu\"> contact the Main Library Gallery<\/a> with questions.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Guidelines Priorities Top consideration will be given to exhibition ideas with well-defined themes, learning objectives, and potential for community and curricular impact that showcase collections from the University of Iowa [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2511,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"pagetpl-gallery.php","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2513"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2513"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2513\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3188,"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2513\/revisions\/3188"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}