Exhibition Proposals

The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World sometimes accepts exhibition proposals from outside scholars, including ISAW’s visiting research scholars. These are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Submitted exhibition proposals should focus on a topic that relates to the mission of ISAW -- to study the ancient world in a horizontal rather than vertical fashion from the Mediterranean basin to China and from the pre-historic period to the end of Late Antiquity. Subjects that also look at the reception of antiquity from post-Antiquity to present day are also welcome. Potential curators should review past exhibition projects on ISAW’s website as well as ISAW produced exhibition catalogues before submitting a proposal, to gain insight into the methodologies and subject matters previously presented in our galleries.

Submissions should include:

  • A two-to-three page summary of the exhibition project proposed to ISAW.
  • A short checklist (of up to 25 objects) that includes object photograph, title, date, media, dimensions, and holding institution for each object.
  • A one-page bibliography on the topic.
  • The potential curator’s CV.
  • List of suggested topics and authors for the exhibition catalogue.


Potential curators should write the proposal with the following in mind:

  • The total exhibition space for ISAW’s galleries is 1600 square feet; objects selected for the checklist should have this number in mind.
  • All exhibitions are accompanied by a publication.
  • If selected, the guest curator will be required to sign an agreement with ISAW which specifically outlines the curator’s role vis-à-vis the Associate Director and the Departmental Staff.


Please submit proposals via email and in hard copy. The email copy should be sent to . The hard copy proposal should be sent to the following address:

Sophy Chu
Financial Analyst, Exhibitions
Institute for the Study of the Ancient World
15 East 84th Street
New York, New York 10028