ArtPrize, today announced a new partnership with New York-based non-profit Independent Curators International (ICI).

ICI will develop and facilitate a three-part Curatorial Mentorship program in Grand Rapids.

The program is designed to enhance the experience of curators and partner institutions participating in the ArtPrize Fellowship for Emerging Curators program. It will close with a public roundtable discussion during the eighth annual ArtPrize event.

“Now in its second year, our Fellowship for Emerging Curators program provides a really unique opportunity for emerging curators to gain experience working with curators at ArtPrize institutional venues,” said Kevin Buist, ArtPrize Exhibitions Director. “This partnership with ICI will take the fellowship program to the next level, encouraging the already burgeoning growth of curatorial practice in the region, through the ArtPrize event and beyond.”

Four Fellows will be selected to work under the guidance of curators at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Kendall College of Art and Design, SiTE:LAB, and Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts -- assisting in the planning of the institutional Venue’s ArtPrize 2016 exhibition as well as curating their own ArtPrize Venue. Fellows are paid a stipend.

The partnership with ICI will provide ArtPrize Fellows and partner institutions with the opportunity to connect with curators working on the national and international level.

The ICI Curatorial Mentorship Program will include presentations by Renaud Proch, ICI Executive Director, and María del Carmen Carrión, ICI Director of Programming and Research, as well as additional guest curators drawn from ICI’s extensive network.

"We're looking forward to teaming up with ArtPrize and their partners in Grand Rapids on the Fellowship for Emerging Curators program," noted Proch. "This new collaboration will provide the curators in the program a framework for further professional development, and a connection to ICI's international networks."

ArtPrize Fellowship for Emerging Curators, which debuted in 2015, is part of an expanding portfolio of ArtPrize granting programs -- and will offer a total of $40,000, divided evenly among the participating venues and their respective Fellows, to aid in the planning and execution of their ArtPrize 2016 exhibitions. In 2015, ‘Processing Fiber at 250 Monroe’ -- curated by ArtPrize Fellow Elizabeth Hertl -- was nominated to the Jurors’ Shortlist for Outstanding Venue.

Emerging curators living and working in the Midwest are encouraged to apply for a 2016 fellowship position by March 17, 2016. Questions about the program should directed to curators@artprize.org. Learn how to apply.

ArtPrize 2016 will take place in Grand Rapids, Michigan from September 21 to October 9. Venue registration for the eighth annual event will be open from March 7 - April 7. Artist registration will be open from April 18 - June 2.

More From 100.5 FM The River