Call for Proposals for Exhibition Planning at the SMU

About the Open Call

The Schwules Museum (SMU) is seeking exhibition proposals as part of its new transparent planning structure. Exhibitions are planned two years in advance, with a committee (board, management, leadership) deciding on projects twice yearly. A positive decision means the SMU will pursue external funding for the project, as it has minimal exhibition budget. Successful funding applications, prepared jointly with the proposer, aim for exhibition realization in 2027. The SMU seeks exhibitions that discuss topics from a queer perspective, encompassing artistic, historical, or cultural-historical themes, or new approaches. Exhibitions can be designed for spaces of 140, 235, or 375 square meters. Concepts must adhere to the SMU’s mission statement, be as barrier-free and accessible as possible, and demonstrate sensitivity to discrimination. While incorporating the Schwules Museum’s collection is desirable, it is not mandatory. The museum typically does not host solo exhibitions but welcomes art exhibitions featuring multiple artistic positions. The call particularly encourages submissions from individuals within queer communities—curators, artists, activists, or anyone committed to a specific topic—regardless of prior exhibition experience. The SMU highly values self-representation, expecting curators to have a connection to the community or topic, or to involve individuals with those identities (e.g., trans* topics by trans* curators).

What is Offered

Opportunity to develop and realize an exhibition concept with the Schwules Museum, contingent on successful external funding. Selected projects will be collaboratively prepared for funding applications.

Requirements

Submit a brief, concise concept (4-5 pages, max 2 MB PDF) in German or English, outlining the exhibition project's theme, relevance, form, possible images, and rough cost estimate. Include information about yourselves (experience, positionality). Concepts must align with the SMU’s mission statement, be barrier-free, accessible, and sensitive to discrimination. Self-representation from queer communities is highly valued. Incorporation of Schwules Museum's collection is desirable but not required.

How to Apply

Submit a brief, concise exhibition concept (4-5 pages, PDF, max 2 MB) to ausstellungen@schwulesmuseum.de by August 1, 2025. Concepts, which can be in German or English, should outline the theme, its relevance, and presentation form, including possible images and a rough cost estimate. Applicants must also provide information about themselves, their experience, and their positionality. Larger files like videos can be submitted via file-sharing links. The next program review is in mid-October 2025, with decisions communicated by the end of November.