Grade 11/12 - Day 73: "How Curators Curate, Step Four: Funding and Budget"

Source: americansforthearts.org

Continuing our discussion on how curators curate, we return to the fineart.about.com stages that we have been working through.

"Procuring funds when curating an art exhibition is one of the most daunting tasks of a curator. Apply for art grants through government and non-profit agencies. Be thorough in your research and follow any possibilities in receiving support. Seek corporate sponsorship and loans of equipment such as computers and digital projectors. Get local support from schools and neighborhood organizations. Getting the community involved with your exhibition can help give you extra support.

Include in your budget: artists’ fees, project fees, overhead, advertising, printing catalog and invitations, shipping and handling, customs duty, framing, installing, lighting and opening expenses. Putting on an exhibition can quickly add up.

Kwanyi Pan said when she worked as a curatorial assistant at the non-profit art space PS1, the key to procuring funding was to demonstrate co-operation with the funding body to let them clearly know what they will receive in return. "It is a give and take situation."

For funding opportunities in Canada, check out: http://canadacouncil.ca/

Source: http://fineart.about.com/od/Curator/ss/Curating-A-Show-In-10-Easy-Steps-A-Step-By-Step-Guide-For-Art-Curators.htm#step4