The New Art Center has a 35-year tradition of using its Main Gallery for group exhibitions curated by an independent curator. Since 1991, we have continued this tradition through our Curatorial Opportunity Program’s public call for proposals.

The Curatorial Opportunity Program (COP) is an open-call curatorial platform that investigates contemporary culture through the visual arts. It makes possible diverse curatorial visions in a collaborative, non-profit and alternative exhibition space. Curators of selected group exhibitions receive a $1,000 stipend and administrative, promotional, and technical support.

The New Art Center considers COP proposals for exhibitions involving two or more artists, featuring a strong curatorial concept and incorporating at least one public program. COP exhibitions are installed in our 2,500 square-foot main gallery space. Two COP exhibitions are presented annually.

The deadline for this year’s call is Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 5PM EST. We will only accept electronic submissions through Call for Entry. Access the online application here.

We encourage you to plan ahead! Office hours are available between 1 and 5PM for last minute questions about the application and submission process.

COP Workshops

Interested parties are encouraged to attend a hands-on workshop and information session at the New Art Center. COP workshops feature presentations by curators about their past projects and approaches to curating contemporary art. Participants are invited to engage in dialogue about curatorial ideas, while learning more about the Curatorial Opportunity Program and application process.

The next COP Curator Workshop & Info Session is March 14, 2018. Click here to register.

COP Guidelines 2018 >

How To Apply >

Curator Resource Sheet >

Gallery Floor Plan Updated Spring 2018 >

COP 2017-2018 Selections >

COP 2018-2019 Selections