2027 emerging curator open call

Smack Mellon seeks proposals from Emerging Curators based in the New York City area for our annual Emerging Artists Summer Group Exhibition. The exhibition will take place across Smack Mellon’s two gallery spaces and is slated to open during the summer of 2027.

We define Emerging Curator as someone either independent or affiliated with an institution who is beginning their career as a curator. This exhibition will be curated by the selected Emerging Curator and should only include works by Emerging Artists. In addition to providing a curatorial framework, the curator will work in collaboration with Smack Mellon’s staff to develop an open call for artists that will be announced during fall 2026. Curators must select more than 70% of their artists from the open call, and exhibitions must include at least 60% artists who identify as women (inclusive of trans and nonbinary individuals) in accordance with Smack Mellon’s mission.

We advise potential curators to be familiar with our mission and programs before submitting a proposal. We are interested in engaging with projects that consider relevant political, social, or environmental issues. 

Prospective Timeline:

• Early September 2026 – Curator selected and notified

• October 2026 – Open Call for Emerging Artists announced and open

• June – August 2027 – Exhibition open to the public

Specific dates to be confirmed with the Curator through the process.