Call for submissions: Goethe-Institut Nairobi curatorial concepts

The exhibitions will be part of the Sasa Nairobi exhibition series, which is Goethe-Institut’s main programme in visual art that focuses on conceptual work in all media, with an emphasis on photography, video, installation and performance art.

Curators, collectives and artists from East Africa are welcome to apply.

How to submit

All applications must be submitted in English to info@goethe.nairobi.org. Hard copies will not be accepted. Those interested can also use the same email address if they have any questions.

The deadline for submission is 31 July 2022.

What to submit

The project is specifically looking for curatorial concepts for exhibitions that tackle a relevant contemporary topic through a variety of well-researched and conceptual artistic approaches. Both group shows and solo exhibitions can be submitted, as long as the curatorial concept is clear.

As Sasa Nairobi is the core of the visual arts programme of Goethe-Institut Nairobi and has long stood for original and new perspectives, it is specifically looking for concepts that expand what a visual art exhibition can be. The aim is to work with artists and curators from East Africa that have an advanced and innovative approach.

Requirements

Please hand in:

• An exhibition proposal (max. 1 000 words). This should outline the curatorial concept and a preliminary list of artists/artworks considered for an exhibition space that is approximately 120m². Concrete details explaining how the curatorial vision will appear in the space are welcome.
• Clear and compelling formulations of the curatorial vision, its relevance in today’s artistic landscape and to current societal questions, and its connection to the audiences in Nairobi are encouraged.
• A compelling public programme (talks, tours, workshops, performances, or other events) that will accompany the exhibition.
• A preliminary budget, including all costs for the exhibition and public programme.
• Curator/artist statements (max. 200 words), with a description of relevant working experience.

Concept guidelines

Submitted concepts should answer the following questions:

• What makes the chosen topic new and relevant?
• How will artistic/curatorial research inform the exhibition?
• How does the exhibition speak to the context of Nairobi?
• What artistic approaches and mediums are part of the exhibition?
• How do they connect to each other and the curatorial concept?
• How can the public programme mediate the chosen topics and add to the exhibition?

Period

The selected exhibitions will be scheduled to open sometime in 2023 and will be on view for four to six weeks depending on the concept and accompanying public programme.

Location

The exhibitions will be presented in Goethe-Institut Nairobi’s main exhibition space. It is an open space that is approximately 120m². 

Budget

The total budget including all costs associated with the exhibition should not exceed Ksh450 000 ($3 800). The budget should be economical and cover the needs outlined in the curatorial concept.

Available resources and equipment

• Sound and light equipment.
• Technical equipment such as projectors, TV screens, headphones, speakers, tablets, VR equipment, etc.
• Technical support such as electrician, sound and light engineers.
• PR and documentation.

View the original call here.