We are excited to announce our international Open Call for the brand-new Asymmetry Curatorial Research Fellowship at Chisenhale Gallery, London – an 18-month post for an early career curator to develop their curatorial practice supporting the gallery’s internationally renowned commissions programme and newly founded publishing initiative, Chisenhale Books. The Fellowship will further provide the curator with the opportunity to develop and contribute to various editorial, communications and social media outputs, thinking critically about the connections between the gallery, commissioned artists and our audiences, in line with the organisation’s mission, vision and values.

This role marks an evolution of the partnership between Asymmetry and Chisenhale Gallery, which to date has yielded two successful Curatorial Writing Fellows; the first focusing on the methodological contradictions of forging “remote affinities” through written communication online, the second straddling oral history and fiction writing as two modes of capturing the complexities of transnational identities. The Asymmetry Curatorial Research Fellowship builds upon previous experiences, responds to Fellows’ feedback, and recognises the urgent need to provide unique professional development opportunities related to working with artists in ways that push beyond the boundaries of traditional exhibition making, communication and publishing formats.

The Fellowship will provide unique training, skills, and experience, while embedded in the curatorial workings of a non-profit gallery that is recognised for its experimental and innovative approach. It will provide instrumental hands-on experience including exhibition organisation, artist liaison, project-based research, production support, publishing and editorial input, and public programming. There will also be an opportunity to work with the organisation’s rich exhibitions archive, thinking critically about the gallery’s legacy and future archival practice. Moreover, the Curatorial Research Fellow will contribute research and ideas to the gallery’s programme, in collaboration with the wider curatorial team, and support the delivery of events, artists’ books and other publishing outputs. The position is aimed at curators identifying to any extent with Greater Chinese and Sinophone cultures and identities, based in the regions or internationally.

ABOUT THE CURATORIAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

The Asymmetry Curatorial Research Fellowship 2023/24 will provide time and space for critical conversation, close reading and rigorous thought, alongside the development of invaluable practical skills. Opportunities for studio visits and critical discourse will be facilitated via Chisenhale’s extensive creative peer network.

The Asymmetry Curatorial Research Fellow will work closely with Chisenhale’s curatorial team, who are committed to pastoral care and supportive professional development. Managed by Chisenhale’s Curator, the Fellow will work directly on the development of commissions, events and/or publications with artists Laurie Kang, Benoît Piéron, Alia Farid, Joshua Leon and Rory Pilgrim. Additionally, the role includes an opportunity to work at Asymmetry HQ – the foundation’s multipurpose hub - one day a week, for the Fellow to further their own curatorial research and writing in collaboration with Asymmetry’s curatorial network.

The Fellow will be given the opportunity to research and develop aspects of public-facing programming over which they will have responsibility for implementation. Throughout the placement, mentoring and assistance from senior staff will allow the Fellow to develop and refine their skills and establish their own curatorial ambitions. The placement is designed to instil agency, to allow the realisation of new curatorial achievements, to enable, formulate and expand on new ideas and growth in their profession.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
12 DECEMBER 2022

CURATORIAL FELLOWSHIP DURATION:
17 APRIL 2023 – 31 OCTOBER 2024

FOR THE CURATORIAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION PACKAGE, PLEASE SUBMIT:

– The completed Asymmetry Curatorial Research Fellowship Application Form

– Your current CV, outlining previous employment history, past exhibition projects, residencies, awards, publications, and public programming (such as talks, symposia, conferences etc.)

– A cover letter summarising your motivation to undertake the Fellowship and a brief written statement on your curatorial interests and your research in contemporary art and its wider discourse (500 words)

Please send in your complete Curatorial Research Fellowship application package via e-mail to fellowship@asymmetryart.org

Application language and material must be submitted in English.
Please note that the file size should not exceed a total of 10 MB.

For more details on requirements, timeline, and further guidelines,
please click here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
12 DECEMBER 2022

Partner:
Chisenhale Gallery