Guest Exhibition Curator, Cartographies of Belonging – Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP):
Guest Exhibition Curator, Cartographies of Belonging
Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College (Durango, CO)
This is a temporary/contract position that is open to remote as well as local candidates. Full description can be found here: https://swcenter.fortlewis.edu/Portals/9/CSWS%20Guest%20Curator%20RFP.pdf
Date Issued: March 4, 2025
Submission Deadline: Applications received by March 24, 2025 will be given priority. The position will remain open until filled.
Project Timeline: Spring/Summer 2025 – December 2026
Compensation:
External Candidate: $20,025 stipend (external candidates are responsible for their own taxes and benefits)
Internal (FLC) Candidate: $15,000 stipend + $5,025 (FLC Fringe Benefits). Internal candidates have the option of a course buy-out instead of a stipend, pending approval by their department chair and dean.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Center of Southwest Studies (CSWS) at Fort Lewis College (FLC) seeks a visionary Guest Curator to develop Cartographies of Belonging (working title), an interactive exhibition that explores historical and contemporary relationships to land, identity, and belonging. This exhibition is part of a larger campus-wide initiative exploring “place” that aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado in 2026.
The Guest Curator will collaborate with CSWS staff, faculty, and community stakeholders to create a compelling and inclusive exhibition that reflects diverse perspectives from the Four Corners region. For more information about the exhibition, please see the 250/150 Project Overview HERE.
SCOPE OF WORK & DELIVERABLES
The Guest Curator will:
- Conceptualize and develop the exhibition in collaboration with CSWS staff and community advisors.
- Identify and select objects, artwork, and multimedia elements that align with the exhibition’s themes and budget, with attention to potential cultural sensitivities.
- Develop interpretive materials, wall text, and digital content to engage diverse audiences.
- Coordinate with designers, fabricators, and CSWS staff on exhibition layout and installation.
- Participate in media relations as available and appropriate to promote the exhibition, such as interviews with FLC Marketing and Communications staff and local media outlets.
- Participate in at least one public program related to the exhibition. This may include a panel discussion, tour, workshop, or demonstration.
- Optional: Contribute to the development of an Open Educational Resource (OER) documenting exhibition insights and bridging strategies.
EXHIBITION TIMELINE
- Spring/Summer 2025: Finalize exhibition themes in consultation with stakeholders. Begin development of exhibition content, layout, and outreach materials.
- Fall 2025: Finalize content, layout, and outreach materials.
- November – December 2025: Gallery preparation and installation.
- January 2026: Exhibition opens.
- January – December 2026: Public programming (at least one event connected to the exhibition).
- December 2026: Exhibition closing celebration.
DEADLINES & DELIVERABLES
- July 1, 2025 – Exhibition Description, Title and preliminary Object Checklist DUE
- August 15, 2025 – Final Object Checklist DUE
- September 15, 2025 – Exhibition Layout & All Text
QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep knowledge of and lived or professional experience with the Southwest and Indigenous cultures in the Four Corners region.
- Demonstrated experience curating exhibitions, particularly those engaging Indigenous or historically marginalized communities.
- Ability to engage with FLC’s reconciliation and belonging efforts.
- Experience working with museum professionals, educators, and community groups.
- Ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables effectively.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Interested applicants are asked to email the following materials as a single PDF file to cmscott@fortlewis.edu.
- A cover letter detailing interest in this project and curatorial vision
- A CV or résumé highlighting curatorial and community engagement experience.
Please send questions and email finalized proposals to cmscott@fortlewis.edu
Cristie Scott, Curator of Exhibitions and Educational Outreach
Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College
ABOUT THE CENTER OF SOUTHWEST STUDIES
The Center of Southwest Studies shares the mission of Fort Lewis College to promote inclusive, experiential learning that fosters innovation, growth, and community engagement. As an academic museum, archives, and library dedicated to the diverse cultures, histories, and environments of the Southwest, the Center provides collections-based learning opportunities and internships for undergraduate students, preserves and provides access to its diverse research collections, and offers exhibits and educational programs for the College and the public.
ABOUT FORT LEWIS COLLEGE
Fort Lewis College, located in Durango, CO, is the Southwest’s leading undergraduate research institution with its low student-to-faculty ratio and one-on-one, affordable instruction. The experience students gain here is responsive to industry demand and the ever-shifting landscape of higher education. FLC is also one of the country’s most diverse campuses, with over half its students identifying as people of color and is federally designated as a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution. With more than 55 majors to choose from, students become industry professionals, community leaders, and cutting-edge academics.
FORT LEWIS COLLEGE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the land that Fort Lewis College is situated upon is the ancestral land and territory of the Nuuchiu (Ute) people who were forcibly removed by the United States Government. We also acknowledge that this land is connected to the communal and ceremonial spaces of the Jicarilla Apache (Apache), Pueblos of New Mexico, Hopi Sinom (Hopi), and Diné (Navajo) Nations. It is important to acknowledge this setting because the narratives of the lands in this region have long been told from dominant perspectives, without full recognition of the original land stewards who continue to inhabit and connect with this land. Thank you for your attention and respect in acknowledging this important legacy.
