Registration deadline: March 3
Application deadlines: April 1, September 5

Exhibitions are a vital means to inform and interact with the public. The Museum Program welcomes exhibition requests that focus on a clear theme, critically and creatively explore that theme, and provide context and interpretation to the public. The Program encourages requests that consider under-explored subjects, examine topics in innovative ways, and/or address challenging issues. Although there are no restrictions as to subject matter, there should be a strong connection to the organization's mission.

For planning requests, an organization may conduct research, develop concepts and themes, and/ or build collaborative relationships with audiences and communities to be represented in an exhibition. Implementation requests may involve finalizing checklists, preparation of didactic and object labels, paying for loan fees, design and installation, consultant fees, related public and school programs, outreach to target audiences, production of a catalog or other interpretive materials. For implementation requests, the exhibition must open within the organization's NYSCA grant period.

Web-based exhibitions are welcome in this category, but should engage the medium rather than simply involve posting images and text. Traveling exhibitions are also welcome. However, priority activities for this category involve adapting the exhibition for the host venue. Such activities might include creating new interpretive materials and/or exhibiting objects from the host institution's own collection.  

Applicants may request support for only one exhibition in a given year. Support is available for either the planning or implementation phase of an exhibition, or a combination of the two if the work will be completed during the 12-month grant period.

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Required support materials are listed below.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Project Summary
What is the subject and significance of your proposed exhibition? Why is it important to do this project now?   How do the objects/materials illustrate the theme? What are the proposed dates for the exhibition and where will it be?

2. Project Context
How does this exhibition strengthen your institution's mission and build community awareness of that mission? How does the exhibition relate to any previous ones on the topic at your or other institutions?

3. Methodology
What interpretive methods/programs are you using to engage the public in this exhibition? For planning requests, describe the plans for research and program development.  

4. Project Staff
Summarize the background and related qualifications of your key staff and consultants.

5. Artists
If the exhibition features the work of a living artist(s), how are the artist(s) involved in this project?

6. Audience Development
Who is the target audience for this exhibition and how will you attract that audience? Describe their engagement in project planning, if appropriate.

7. Work Plan
Describe the key tasks and time line for successful completion of this project. Bullets or outline format is welcome.

8. Finances
Describe your plans for meeting the expenses of this project.

9. Publication
If support for an exhibition catalog is being sought, what is the content and who are authors? How will the publication be marketed?

10. Technology
If this is a technology-based exhibition, what is the approach to incorporating new technology? What is the organization's technical capacity – including staff – for implementing and maintaining the project?

11. Touring
If this exhibition will travel, where are the additional venues? If support is requested to host a traveling exhibition, in what ways is the exhibition being adapted for your own collection and audience?

12. Program Context
Describe your work with other organizations in developing and/or presenting related aspects to the exhibition.

Support Materials

Support material must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the program by the application deadline. If you want support materials returned, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

1. Resumés or biographical statements of key personnel/consultants. (maximum 1-2 pages each).

2. Up to 10 images, or reference to a website, with representative work to be included in the exhibition. Be sure to identify the artist/maker, title, materials, dimensions and date of the work. This serves as an abbreviated checklist.

3. Up to 6 images or website reference, that includes: the proposed exhibition design, the exhibition space, past exhibitions at the organization, and the work of the exhibition designer.

4. If support for a catalog is part of the request, please provide evidence of the work of the designer/ publisher.

5. Design schematics and exhibition script.