Courting Curators
WORKSHOP • October 22 - October 23
© Chris Mortenson
A strong relationship between artists and curates involves mutual trust that allows artists to develop their creative potential and autonomy, grow their audiences, and navigate the complex contextual landscape of various arts organizations. Knowing that the best exhibitions emerge from sustained collaboration, how does one go about courting a curator, i.e., developing a mutually beneficial relationship that extends beyond the exhibition to genuine commitment and community engagement?
It’s not magic but, like any relationship, takes patient nurturing. Participants will learn the nuances of developing on-going relationship with their friendly local curators as well as those they engage in a long-distance dance. In this two-day workshop, you’ll share your portfolio, hone an elevator pitch, and learn the necessary follow up to successfully working with a curator in a dedicated relationship.
WHEN • Thursday, October 22, 2026 and Friday, October 23, from 10am - 3:30 PM MT
WHERE • In-person at the La Fonda on the Plaza hotel, Santa Fe
HOW • Pre-registration is required
Registration
Spaces are limited ! The registration includes a portfolio review and resource materials (list of curators and institutional submissions processes).
$315 Member // $335 Non-Member
CANCELLATION • You may cancel minus a $50 processing fee until October 8, 2026. Please be aware that there is a minimum number of registered participants needed in order to run the class. Should that minimum not be reached by October 1, we will cancel the workshop and refund your registration fees.
Mary Anne Redding is a visual arts curator and writer. She recently worked as the Curator for the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
Redding has more than forty years of experience working as a curator, archivist, librarian, educator, and arts administrator. She has curated hundreds of exhibitions as well as written and published numerous essays on contemporary art. Redding serves on the Advisory Council at CENTER, was the 2022 Excellence in Multimedia Storytelling Award Juror, and curator for the Circular Solutions CENTER Award & Grant winners exhibition.