Making a proposal

Before putting together a proposal, the most crucial step is to thoroughly research the organizations you intend to approach. This research will help you identify the best fit for your project and increase your chances of success.

Different types of organizations have different approaches to programming, so it's important to engage with their remit to understand their artistic direction and program themes. Visit their website, attend events, and look at past exhibitions and events to get a sense of whether your proposed project will fit. Consider the focus of the organization, including whether they work with emerging, mid-career, or established artists, and their preference for group or solo projects.

Understanding these differences will save you time, as there's little point pitching to an organization whose remit isn't aligned with your career stage, work, or type of project. Additionally, consider the timescale for submitting a proposal, as some organizations may have specific deadlines or only review applications infrequently.

For a speculative proposal or responding to an open call, follow the guidelines provided, and be concise with your opening description. Clearly state the kind of activity you're proposing, who will be involved, the duration of the project, and why your project is important. Then, include a description of the proposed work, an estimate of the space required to exhibit, a biography or CV of the artist(s) involved, links to a portfolio or images of relevant or recent work, and an itemized budget.

When it comes to the space, your proposal should reflect the size and scale of the exhibition space. For events, consider how it will work within the context of what else is programmed for the space. Additionally, ensure that your CV and portfolio are tailored to the proposed activity, with high-quality images that are suitably cropped and labeled.

Finally, your proposal must include a clearly itemized budget to realize the exhibition or project. If you are preparing a budget for an exhibition with an organization that receives public funds, make sure to include a separate budget line for the Exhibition Payment so it is ring-fenced from other production or installation costs. By thoroughly researching the organization and tailoring your proposal to their remit, you can increase your chances of success.

HERE ARE THE TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Research the organizations you intend to approach in order to find the best fit for your project.

  2. Consider the type of organization, artistic direction, and program themes before making a speculative proposal or responding to an open call.

  3. Understand the focus of the organization you are making a proposal to, such as whether they work with emerging, mid-career, or established artists.

  4. Consider the best ways to contact the organization and how receptive it is to receiving proposals.

  5. Consider the timing of your proposal submission, including deadlines and review periods.

  6. Follow specific guidelines and include five key things in your proposal: a description of the proposed work, an estimate of the space required to exhibit, a biography or CV of the artist/s involved, links to a portfolio or images of relevant or recent work, and an itemized budget.

  7. Clearly and concisely state the kind of activity you are proposing, who will be involved, the duration of the project, and why your project is important.

  8. Consider the benefits to the organization of your proposed activity, such as whether it draws on the local context or builds upon existing themes within its program.

  9. Reflect the size and scale of the exhibition space in your proposal, and consider how the project will work within the context of what else is programmed for the space.

  10. Edit CVs and include only relevant work experience, and ensure that your images are of the best quality possible and properly labeled.

  11. Include a clearly itemized budget, and if you are preparing a budget for an exhibition with an organization that receives public funds, make sure to include a separate budget line for the Exhibition Payment.