Student participation jury program

The apexart open call classrom voting program provides an opportunity for university students to read exhibition proposals from all over the world while providing an opportunity to address a wide range of art writing, and in the process help determine our exhibition programming. Each open call, we assemble a jury of about 650 international arts professionals to anonymously and randomly evaluate approximately 725 submissions from 85 countries. These submissions are 500-word idea-based group exhibition proposals submitted from participants around the world. Proposals exclude images, links, videos, or CVs. This unique double-blind selection process ensures exhibitions align closely with audience interests and reflects our commitment to fairness. Past and current universities and schools include Goldsmiths, Bard, Makere University. Uganda, University of Seoul, Columbia University, MICA, deAppell and more than 20 others.

As part of this program, we invite educators to participate with their class as jurors in our open call.

Some benefits of participating
Real-world experience: Students gain practical experience and a résumé item by evaluating exhibition proposals, contributing to real-world programming decisions.

Develop global perspective: As jurors, they review proposals from a diverse range of countries, broadening their perspective on global art trends. socio-political situations and curatorial practices.

Get insight into effective writing: We provide discusssion materials to encourage classroom discussion about what is effective and comunicative. Educators can pull up past winning proposals and current submissions to go deeper into style, content and flow.

Stimulate classroom discussion: Use provided online materials while Participating in the “jurying” process stimulates classroom discussions on the nature of art, its purposes, and what makes a well-written proposal effective.

Develop critical thinking skills: It fosters critical thinking as students analyze proposals and make informed decisions, honing their ability to assess and critique artistic concepts effectively.

“It is so valuable when our class contributions have an impact in the world.” —Brian Z., participating professor during the New York City 2024 open call.

To participate we need a list of participating students first name and  email addresse or the number of students for numerical identification if you prefer, by February 20, 2025. Send this and any questions to Lisa Vagnoni at lisa.vagnoni [​at​] apexart.org.