Would you like to have a voice in shaping new arts programming in Dane County?
ALL is pleased to announce LAB^4, a new community curation project that will bring fresh perspectives to the arts in Dane County. LAB^4 forges a new path for ALL’s program development by fully embracing intersectionality across artistic disciplines, identities, and ideas. Above all else, the LAB^4 project seeks to shift the role of curators from gatekeepers to their original definition as caretakers.
What is involved?
Selected applicants will be grouped into four curatorial teams composed of local artists, writers, and performers—along with young artists from Dane County high schools. Each team will work with 1–2 community advisors considered experts in their respective fields (e.g., researchers, environmentalists, community organizers, health professionals, etc.).
Following an orientation meeting held on Saturday, October 26th from 9:00AM–3:00PM, each team will work together over 15–20 sessions. The four teams will be tasked with creating approximately 8 weeks of cohesive, innovative, and ambitious cultural programming rooted in the land we currently occupy. This may include (but is not limited to) exhibitions in ALL’s main galleries and project spaces, readings, concerts, film/video screenings, talks, and workshops.
Each curatorial team will be given a budget to support the creation of new art and innovative collaborative projects. Teams will also have adequate resources to bring local artists into conversation with regional and national artists.
The community curators are not restricted to traditional arts presentation formats; while programming in ALL’s professional galleries are a key component, curators are encouraged to plan related off-site programming embedded throughout Dane County, particularly reaching underserved neighborhoods, such as temporary art installations or pop-up performances. To learn about current and upcoming programs, visit ALL's current and past exhibitions and films, music and performance acts, and readings and talks.
LAB^4 Teams will use this opportunity to:
- break down silos between artistic disciplines;
- nurture new ideas and artistic visions;
- create a safe and welcoming space for community discourse; and
- advance ALL’s efforts to amplify historically-marginalized voices.
How will LAB^4 Community Curators be selected?
LAB^4’s community curators will be selected by members of ALL’s Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts Teams, who will also provide mentoring and technical support throughout the process. Selection will prioritize artists from communities that have traditionally been excluded from curation opportunities. Unfortunately, there will not be space for all applicants to participate in this first iteration of the project.
Who can participate in LAB^4?
All visual, literary, or performing artists ages 18 and up currently residing in Dane County and who anticipate residing in Dane County through 2026 are welcome and encouraged to apply for LAB^4. Each team will also include two high school students (grades 9-12). Applicants should have an interest in serving in a curatorial role for this project. Curators may not curate their own artwork into their programming.
Is there compensation for the work of curation?
Curators who satisfactorily complete their roles—including attending meetings, active participation in the project, and program evaluation—will be compensated at the following levels:
- Adult artist curators: $2,000
- High school curators: $1,000
LAB^4 Showcase Schedule
- April 29–June 21, 2025
- July 8–August 29, 2025
- April 28–June 20, 2026
- July 7–August 29, 2026
How do I apply?
Complete the application below. If you need assistance, please contact steven@artlitlab.org. If you cannot access the online form, ALL staff can assist you during weekday hours by appointment.
