University Museums

How to Propose an Exhibition:

The University Museums is always excited to learn of exhibitions that might appeal to, educate, and enlighten our constituents. We do not accept proposals directly from the artist(s) represented in the exhibition, and therefore all proposals must be submitted through an independent curator, museum or museum affiliation, ISU faculty or staff, or professional art organization.

In general, the University Museums focus on scheduling, curating, organizing and presenting eight to twelve major exhibitions each year. Exhibitions and interpretive programs emphasize the decorative, fine, and public arts, and focus upon significant national and international artists and art movements. Significant Iowa artists have priority. Permanent collection exhibitions and borrowed exhibitions/collections will be considered. Exhibition sites may include the Brunnier Art Museum, the Farm House Museum, Christian Petersen Art Museum and temporary Art on Campus locations.

The proposed exhibitions should be educational/interpretive, and have sponsorship and/or application to an Iowa State University academic units (3-4 academic departments). Proposals which have academic sponsorship and involvement are given a higher priority.

Proposed exhibitions should have a minimum two year planning/implementation schedule.

If you have an exhibition that you would like the University Museums to consider for presentation, please submit the following to the University Museums, 290 Scheman, ISU, Ames, IA. 50011-1110:

• thesis statement of the exhibition, with three educational outcomes (or goals)
• primary audience(s), as specific as possible and include ISU classes with number designation
• preliminary checklist
• 12 to 20 images of objects on the preliminary checklist
• suggested educational/interpretive programs
• outline of the proposed publication, if any
• curriculum vitae of guest/faculty curator and any contributing authors
• preliminary budget, including sources of financial support. If this proposal is from an ISU academic department, department and/or college time and funding support should be indicated.

Please make sure that all images are labeled with the artist's name, title of the work, dimensions, orientation, and medium, or provide a image list with this information. The museums' staff will review the images and proposal. If the exhibition receives staff support, the proposal will be shared with the University Museums Advisory subcommittee on Education and Exhibitions. Additional information to clarify or strengthen the proposal may be requested during the review process. Exhibition proposal review can require 4-6 months.