Rough Gems FAQs
Eligibility
Are there any age requirements for applicants?
Applicants must be 18 or older to apply for Rough Gems.
Can I submit my own work if I am the curator?
No. You cannot include your own artwork in the curatorial proposal if you are acting as the curator for the show.
Can I reapply if I have submitted a proposal previously?
Curators that were not selected may reapply the following year, and all future years.
Can previous Rough Gems curators reapply?
Former Rough Gems curators may reapply after 3 years.
Does Union Hall accept applications from artist collectives?
Union Hall does not generally accept applications from artist collectives, though there may be exceptions made depending on the circumstance and type of collective. If you have any questions about this and what is allowable please reach out to info@unionhalldenver.org or attend one of Union Hall’s informational sessions.
Does Union Hall accept applications for mediums outside of the visual arts?
Yes, Union Hall accepts proposals that include mediums outside of the visual arts, including, but not limited to: music, poetry, dance, film, and performance of all kinds.
Application Process
What is needed in the application?
All of the required information and materials for the 2025 program are available on our application webpage.
When is the deadline?
Applications are due on Friday, September 20th, 2024 at 11:59pm MT. Applications must be emailed to info@unionhalldenver.org in PDF format with the curator(s) last names followed by ‘Rough Gems 2025 Proposal’ in the subject line.
How many artists and curators can be included in a proposal?
Applications must have at least 1 designated curator and up to 2 co-curators. At least 2 and up to 6 artists can be included in each proposal. Curators who include their own artwork as a part of their proposal will not be considered.
Should artists be consulted throughout the application process?
Curatorial teams may communicate with proposed artists to determine availability of works and willingness to participate in an exhibition if accepted. However, applications should be compiled by the designated curators. While Union Hall aims to support artists throughout the program as well, Rough Gems is primarily geared towards individuals who want to build curatorial skills and learn about planning an exhibition from start to finish in a gallery setting.
Can artists create new work for exhibitions?
Union Hall discourages the creation of new work for Rough Gems exhibitions, and asks that applicants look to existing work for their proposals.
Are layouts required?
Layouts are not required for applications at this time. Though curatorial teams are permitted to provide details on their intended layout or a rough sketch, this will not be a determining factor in Union Hall’s assessment of proposals. If selected, curatorial teams will work with Union Hall’s Chief Curator to create a layout collaboratively.
How many proposals can I submit?
Union Hall encourages just one proposal from each curatorial team in each application year.
Can I see a dimensions and a floor plan of Union Hall?
Yes, you can view a pdf sample floor plan with dimensions and architectural renderings.
Can Union Hall provide tours of the gallery space?
Union Hall staff do not have the capacity to provide tours for individual applicants at this time. Applicants may visit during open gallery hours (Wednesdays through Saturdays 12-6pm). More specific questions regarding Rough Gems applications can be directed to info@unionhalldenver.org. Applicants are also encouraged to attend informational sessions on Wednesday, August 14th and Wednesday, September 11th of 2024.
Does Union Hall have the ability to display digital media?
Yes. Union Hall has 3 Vizio Televisions available for use in addition to one 4k moveable, hanging projector with internal audio capabilities, and one non-moveable, hanging projector with bluetooth capabilities, an overhead sound system, and 1 media player available for use.
How should a curator select artists for their exhibition?
Curators approach artist selection in a variety of ways and it is up to the curatorial team! Curators might start with a concept and research artists that align with that idea OR curators might have artists they would like to feature and will find a common thread throughout their work and build a concept from there. For specific questions, we encourage applicants to attend an informational session.
Budget
Does Union Hall require a budget?
Union Hall does NOT require a budget for applicants at this time. Union Hall has set amounts that we provide which cover stipends (artist, curator, and any performers), marketing support, installation support and materials, and more. Union Hall will consider other proposed expenses as well, which must be outlined in the application under the ‘budgetary considerations’ question. We ask that applicants describe any additional budgetary considerations for this exhibition and approximate costs, including but not limited to: any shipping costs (approximate amounts based on USPS rates), art transportation (truck rentals for local transport), specific installation needs (do you need pedestals, tech, hanging hardware, etc?), programming costs, and anything else specific to the exhibition concept. Please note that Union Hall discourages proposals that include the production of new artwork at this time. In addition, the budgetary question is intended to gain a general understanding of additional costs for the proposed exhibition and the selection of a proposal is not a guarantee that Union Hall will be able to cover all associated costs.
What is a stipend and what is that intended for?
Stipends are predetermined amounts to compensate artists and curators for their time and labor, and are not meant to be reimbursements for materials or shipping. Any additional costs must be outlined in the budgetary section of the application.
Review
Who reviews my application?
Applications are reviewed by a jury comprised of Union Hall staff, board, and community members with curatorial and artistic expertise. Learn more about the Rough Gems 2025 Jury on the application page.
What criteria will be used to review my application?
Aesthetic and Conceptual Value of the exhibition: Does it align with Union Hall’s vision, mission, and core values? Will it be a valued addition to the exhibition program at Union Hall?
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Is the application aligned with Union Hall’s DEI goals? Does the curator take into account accessibility needs? Does the exhibition feature a diverse group of artists?
Supplemental programming: Does the proposed artwork have additional components that can be included into Union Hall’s programming calendar? Do these ideas feel relevant to the exhibition concept, and exciting?
Feasibility: Is the exhibition realistic given the timeline of the Rough Gems program?
Curator Commitments
What are the required dates for selected curators?
Rough Gems Orientation: Sunday, October 20th, 2024 from 10am - 5pm
Exhibition Opening Reception for your slot: either January 16, February 20 or March 27 of 2025 from 6-8pm
Commit to an in-person meeting with the Chief Curator in December: date TBD
Commit to weekly virtual check ins with the Chief Curator: dates TBD
What is a curator’s role?
Curators are responsible for all communication with artists. They must confirm artist commitment & available artwork, write a full curatorial statement, and gather marketing information, contracts, and invoices from artists. Curators will work collaboratively with the Union Hall team to create a layout, create and manage a budget, organize exhibition installation and deinstallation, and organize supplemental programming.
Are curators responsible for installation and deinstallation of their show?
Curators/curatorial teams must be prepared to arrange the installation and deinstallation of your exhibition within the limits outlined in the budget guidelines. Union Hall will be available and present to assist.
What does Union Hall provide?
Union Hall will provide curatorial stipends of $900 to each curator (up to two curators), and artist stipends of $300 to each artist (up to six artists). These stipends are not to be used towards exhibition costs; they are compensation for your creative work. Please refer to the Budgetary Considerations question in the application for more information regarding the budget constraints that your proposal must abide by, and what Union Hall can financially support for each accepted proposal.
In addition to artist and curatorial stipends Union Hall will also provide:
Curatorial mentorship
General guidance and planning support
Social media, marketing, and press outreach
Installation and deinstallation support
Access to Union Hall’s installation tools and resources
Vinyl exhibition text
Gallery guide support (brochure with exhibition information available for visitors)
Exhibition photography
Full use of Union Hall’s facilities, including all of its movable walls, furniture, and technology
General support for supplemental programming events
Staffing during the exhibition’s open hours as well as for supplementary programming and events
Awards
When will I be notified of a decision regarding my application?
We will notify all applicants in early October.
When does the planning process for exhibitions begin?
Union Hall will host a private Rough Gems Orientation with the selected 2025 Rough Gems curators on Sunday, October 20th, 2024 from 10am - 5pm at the gallery. Virtual weekly check ins with the Chief Curator will be scheduled with each curatorial team following orientation.
