CAC Releases Application for HATCH Projects as Curatorial and Artist Residency and Announces Distinguished Mentor Curators

 HATCH PROJECTS Exhibition space. 

CAC's BOLT Residency Artists and Detroit's Power House Productions partner for pilot artist exchange

Chicago, IL--July 11, 2012 --- The Chicago Artists' Coalition (CAC) is pleased to announce HATCH Projects (2012-2013), a yearlong, juried incubator for contemporary Chicago artists and curators that strives to support an ecology of curatorial and artistic practice. A pioneering initiative of CAC, HATCH Projects fosters shared experimentation, exchange and creativity to produce ground-breaking exhibitions and programs. The Curatorial Residency is a new component of the program, designed by an Advisory Committee of local curators, artists and arts administrators who identified a need for professional development opportunities for emerging curators. 

 DOWNLOAD or by visit chicagoartistscoalition.org/hatchprojects/ for application guidelines.

Curator Resident applications are due August 15. 

Artist Resident applications are due October 1 and will be made available July 16.

About the Program:

Four Curator Residents will be accepted into HATCH Projects based on an application evaluated by four leading and established Mentor Curators who also provide experienced mentorship to these selected individuals throughout the year. Mentor Curators include: Lisa Dorin (Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, Art Institute of Chicago); Sarah Herda (Executive Director, Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts); Lisa Yun Lee (Director, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum); and Tricia Van Eck (founder and Director, 6018 North). The selected Curator Residents are then responsible for selecting the twenty-four Artist Residents. Each Curator Resident manages a group of six artists for the year to realize three innovative and experimental exhibitions and public programs at CAC. In addition, Curator Residents receive professional development through feedback from and working with the Mentor Curators, as well as through conversations and critiques with an active peer-to-peer creative network.

To apply as a Curator Resident of HATCH Projects, download our application guidelines and apply online at chicagoartists.slideroom.com. Applications are due for submission August 15, 2012 at midnight. Residency begins November 2012.

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Twenty-four Artist Residents are accepted into HATCH Projects based on an application evaluated by the program's four selected Curator Residents. Artist Residents are divided into groups of six to work with one Curator Resident throughout the year. Selected artists will participate in two exhibitions curated by the group's assigned Curator Resident. Each Artist Resident receives professional development through dynamic exhibitions, one-on-one studio visits, public programs, and community building to develop a sustainable creative practice.

To apply as an Artist Resident of HATCH Projects, download our  application guidelines and apply online at chicagoartists.slideroom.com. Applications will be available July 16 and are due for submission October 1, 2012 at midnight. Residency begins November 2012.  

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Through this unique hands-on experience and mentorship program, HATCH Projects provides curators and artists with valuable insight and experience in contemporary exhibition making.  

Read below to hear what current HATCH Projects artists have to say:

HATCH Projects is an incredible program that provides artists with exactly what they need in a tough post-MFA environment: a new artist network & community, a museum-quality gallery space to show in, and an incredible amount of professional development programming. In an economic environment where commercial galleries are keeping their shows fairly conservative, HATCH encourages artists to develop experimental shows and connects them with avant-garde curators, which, for me, has been generative for the year and I am sure will go forward as I continue working. 

--- 2011-2012 HATCH Projects artist, Erik Peterson 

The HATCH program has been an excellent boost for me in the Chicago area art scene.  I feel that the exposure that HATCH provides to artists and curators in Chicago would take years to receive on your own and HATCH fast tracks you through this process. 

--- 2011-2012 HATCH Projects artist, Jim Zimpel

HATCH projects has provided me with a new and extended network of artists, curators and arts administrators, giving me a chance to engage directly with the local Chicago arts scene outside of an academic institution. As HATCH participants, we have been given the space to not only present our work to the Chicago public, but also to directly interact with the public through our own self-designed programming and events. It has been wonderful to work with an organization that is responsive to our ideas and needs, allowing us to have extensive input into the structure and direction of the program. 

--- 2011-2012 HATCH Projects artist, Marissa L Benedict

 

 For more information, please contact Director of Exhibitions and Community Initiatives Cortney Lederer at cortney@chicagoartistscoalition.org for details.