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Working as a successful curator requires pluck and determination, in addition to invention, knowledge, and creativity. It also requires access. Women in the field, particularly black, brown, and immigrant women, who seek out opportunities to conduct object research and make exhibitions must meet the linked challenges of demonstrating these qualities while surmounting individual and institutional racism, sexism, and xenophobia.

Until now, no convening of curators has privileged the voices of independent curators, especially representations of curators of color, LGBTQ curators, or disabled curators. Few standards for independent curators exist, aside from CAA’s guidelines for the “Hiring of Guests Curators by Museums” and the Association of Art Museum Curators’ sample letter. Thus, this panel brings together diverse curators at various stages in their careers to discuss the opportunities and limitations present in the field.

How do independent curators make connections and find resources? What institutional collaborations help? Which hinder? Is consulting a viable way to build relationships? Where may the existing system be entered into and innovated for increased alliances? Where are mentors who support advancement? How can peers support achievements? How might we balance the ecosystem between exhibition focus and public programming? What attention goes to community partnerships and engagement? How do independent curators build networks?

Framed and formatted as a conversation, this panel consists of independent curators at different stages of their professional careers, including seasoned participants and elders, about achieving success, variously defined, and overcoming difficulty. They will describe the ways they’ve consolidated or evolved curatorial practice(s).