Curator Travel Grants (CTG)

The Curator Travel Grants (CTG) program aims to strengthen critical discourse by helping contemporary art curators travel outside of the region to conduct research, develop professional skills, and build connections with other art professionals. Preference is given to applications that demonstrate how the proposed activities will  contribute to and support the intellectual and aesthetic growth of Kentucky’s artist community.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, though contemporary curators are required to discuss their proposal with the foundation director before applying. To schedule a meeting (phone, Zoom, or in-person), email Julien Robson, Director, at info@greatmeadowsfoundation.org.

  • To be eligible for this grant, a proposal must include travel outside the region that encompasses one or more of the following activities: 

    • Meeting with colleagues to explore partnerships, co-productions, and the development of contemporary art projects that will benefit artists in Kentucky. Preference will be given to proposals with clear and measurable outcomes in mind.

    • Attendance at symposia, conferences, and seminars relating to the applicant’s practice as a contemporary art curator, with special consideration given to applicants who are presenting. Preference will be given to applicants who can outline how travel will support and develop their practice. 

    • The viewing of specific contemporary art exhibitions, installations, performance art events, or visual art festivals. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate that the travel will help them develop their area of expertise, create connections and strengthen their practice. 

    • Attendance at commercial art events such as art fairs (e.g.. Art Basel Miami, Paris Photo, Frieze) and fundraisers (e.g., galas and benefits)

    • Completion of a project, such as an exhibition or collaboration, that is already planned or in progress

    • Travel within the GMF region

Curator Eligibility

  • Applicants must be professional curators of contemporary visual art who have worked in the field for at least twelve months.

  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate a history of curating contemporary visual art exhibitions and projects within the past three years.

  • Independent curators must have held their primary residence in the GMF region* for at least twelve months.

  • Institutional curators must be employed as contemporary art curators by not-for-profit 501c3 institutions in the GMF region*.

  • Currently enrolled students (including those in graduate and post-graduate programs) are NOT eligible.

  • Artists who also work as curators may NOT apply for APDG and CTG funding in the same calendar year.

  • Curator grant recipients must wait 90 days after submitting their final report before being eligible to apply again.

*The GMF region includes the 120 counties of Kentucky, and Floyd and Clark counties in Indiana.

Application Guidelines

    • Curators may request between $500 and $3,000 for their proposed activities.

    • Grants awarded to institutional curators are restricted and must be given to the applicant curator. No part of the grant may be deducted by the institution for operations costs.

    • All applicants must first arrange a meeting with the foundation director to discuss their intended proposal.

    • All finalized applications must be submitted in letter form to the foundation director via email to info@greatmeadowsfoundation.org.

    • Candidates wishing to apply through their institution must have an institution heading on their letter.

    • Attached documents should be in PDF format, using 12-pt. Arial font.

    • Applicants should send a short proposal (1 to 2 pages), describing the purpose of the travel Outline the itinerary and proposed dates of travel, what you wish to see, who you wish to meet and how the travel will impact your curatorial practice, as well as what you wish to achieve. Describe how your travel will benefit artists in our region.

    • Include a one page budget, detailing travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, as well as any other expected expenses.

    • Include a one-page bio and/or CV that details your curatorial training or background, exhibitions and projects you have curated, texts you have authored, and a brief outline of your curatorial perspective.

    • Grantees must deliver a final report (1 to 2 pages in PDF format) within 30 days of completing the travel itinerary. Describe the itinerary and what was gained through the travel, its benefit to the artist community in Kentucky, as well as present and future outcomes.

    • Grantees must also submit a final budget (as a one-page PDF) detailing expenses relating to the travel.