Announcing the Shoebox Curators Lab: Where Artists Become Exhibition Makers
- shoeboxartsla
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 4
***POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING 2026***
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16-Week Intensive Program
Are you an artist ready to step behind the scenes and shape how art is presented to the world? The Shoebox Curators Lab is an intensive 16-week program designed specifically for artists who want to develop professional curatorial skills while building meaningful connections in the art community.
Why Artists Make Powerful Curators
Artists bring a unique perspective to curating that institutions often lack: intimate knowledge of the creative process, authentic relationships within arts communities, and deep understanding of how art actually gets made. You already know what it feels like to be on the other side of the gallery wall – now learn how to create the exhibitions that matter.
What Makes This Program Different
Real Exhibition Opportunity
This isn't just theory. Teams of participants will develop professional exhibition proposals, and the winning concept – selected by democratic vote – will be realized as an actual exhibition at Shoebox Arts Project space at the Brewery in Los Angeles. You'll walk away with either a real curators exhibition credit or a portfolio-quality proposal ready to send out to other institutions.
Competitive Learning Environment
Working in teams of 3-4, you'll develop comprehensive exhibition proposals including curatorial statements, artist selection, installation design, budgets, and marketing strategies. The competition element mirrors real-world curatorial selection processes while building your professional skills.
Artist-Focused Curriculum
Every aspect of the program acknowledges your existing expertise as an artist while building new skills in:
Concept development and thematic thinking
Artist discovery and relationship building
Exhibition design and installation
Professional practices and business skills
Writing and documentation
Community engagement and programming
Program Structure
Weeks 1-8: Foundation building and skills development
Week 9: Team formation and proposal briefing
Weeks 10-14: Intensive proposal development
Week 15: Competitive presentations and voting
Week 16: Winner preparation and program completion
Learning Through Competition
The program culminates in a professional-level competition where teams pitch their exhibition concepts to the entire class plus a panel of industry professionals. Selection criteria focus on:
Thematic strength and cultural relevance
Curatorial sophistication and artist selection
Feasibility and professional presentation
Innovation and creative risk-taking
Who Should Apply
This program is perfect for:
Practicing artists seeking to expand into curatorial work
Recent MFA graduates exploring alternative career paths
Gallery professionals wanting to understand artist perspectives
Art educators developing curatorial knowledge
Anyone passionate about how art is presented and experienced
Investment & Financial Support
Program Fee: $600
What You'll Gain
Professional Skills
Curatorial concept development
Artist research and relationship building
Exhibition planning and logistics
Budget management and contracts
Installation design and spatial thinking
Professional writing and documentation
Real-World Experience
Hands-on exhibition development
Competitive presentation experience
Professional networking opportunities
Portfolio-quality project materials
Industry mentor connections
Community & Recognition
Certificate of completion for all participants
Alumni network access for ongoing opportunities
Professional recognition for winning team as "Shoebox Curators Lab Featured Curators"
Marketing support and documentation for winning exhibition
Ready to Transform Your Practice?
The art world needs curators who understand what it means to create, to struggle with materials, to face the blank canvas or empty studio. Your perspective as an artist is not just valuable – it's essential.
Seeking Exhibition Sponsors
We're actively seeking sponsors to support the winning team's exhibition with funding for artist stipends, installation costs, opening reception, and promotional materials. This creates an even more professional experience and ensures the selected curators can execute their vision without financial barriers.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact us to learn about recognition opportunities and how your support directly impacts emerging curatorial talent.
Let us know if you have any questions shoeboxartsla@gmail.com
Follow @shoeboxarts.la for updates and behind-the-scenes content from the Lab.
Reality of Nature at Launch LA 2017 curated by Kristine Schomaker
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