HOW TO PARTICIPATE: CURATORS

Working with the agency to select their art was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve done as a curator. The agency and its clients loved the art. Not only was their enthusiasm contagious, but the art looks great–it truly transforms the space and creates a more healing environment.

— Stephanie Buhmann, Curator

Art Connects New York’s Vision

We believe art and arts professionals have a unique ability to interpret the world, connect people, and inspire insight into ourselves and the world around us. Art Connects New York harnesses the transformative power of art to affirm the human spirit and make New York a welcoming, expansive city.

ACNY curators are instrumental in channeling the transformative power of original art to improve, expand and enrich lives. Through professionally curated, themed collections ACNY creates installations that support and enhance the ability of recipient agencies to fulfill their missions.

What ACNY Does

  • We engage curators to develop collections of art for agency facilities.
  • We encourage curators to develop a theme for their installation based on the recipient agency’s mission.
  • We provide a database of already promised work and also encourage curators to expand our pool of donating artists via personal connections.
  • We coordinate installation of the work at the agency’s facility.
  • We train receiving agencies in the proper care of original artwork.
  • We encourage the recipient agency to celebrate their new acquisition and the curator to participate in that celebration and other possible interactive events related to the placement.
  • We look for ways to publicize your generosity and work.

Why Curate an Art Connects New York Placement?

We deeply believe in the transformative power of art. As a curator, you become the active link between the artists, agencies and their clients. You bring the wealth of New York’s art world to some of the City’s most underserved people. It’s a gift that keeps on giving — from the connections you make with new artists and people who love art, to the continuing power a permanently installed, themed art collection has in the lives of those who see it every day.

You bring your vision to connect art with individuals – many of whom have had little or no exposure to art – all of whom benefit from the transformative power of your installation.

How to Participate

If you would like to offer your services as a curator for one or multiple placements, download and complete our Curator Form and fill it out. Then either

  • Email the application to us at curators@artconnectsnewyork.org , or
  • Send it by US Mail to

    Art Connects New York
    Attention: Curator Database
    491 Broadway, 5th Floor
    New York, New York 10012

We will contact you when we have received and reviewed your information.

What to Expect When Curating an ACNY Placement

Most of our placements take 8-10 weeks.  Curator involvement includes:

  • An initial meeting with the recipient agency to learn about their mission and develop an appropriate theme for their collection.
  • Select artwork from the ACNY database and personal connections.
  • Present selected artwork to recipient agency and help them choose from the proposed works.
  • Decide, with agency agreement, layout of installation and oversee installing the work.
  • Work with contributing artists.
  • Train agency personnel in care of the artwork.
  • We encourage you to celebrate the placement with the agency, and we look for ways to publicize your work.

Art Connects New York thanks you in advance for your generosity.