Exhibition Proposals

The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World invites 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 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, ISAW-produced exhibition catalogues, and ISAW’s Antiquities Policy 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.
• Most 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 Director of Exhibitions and the Departmental Staff.

Please submit proposals via email to the Exhibitions Department at isaw.exhibitions-group@nyu.edu.