Rough Gems FAQs
Eligibility
Are there any age requirements for applicants?
Applicants must be 18 or older to apply for Rough Gems.
Can I submit my own work if I am the curator?
No. You cannot include your own artwork in the curatorial proposal if you are acting as the curator for the show.
Can I reapply if I have submitted a proposal previously?
Yes. If a prior application was not accepted, curators may reapply the following year, and all future years.
Can previous Rough Gems curators reapply?
Previously accepted applicants can not reapply for the program. If you are a Rough Gems alumni curator and wish to re-engage with Union Hall, we would love to hear from you. Please contact info@unionhalldenver.org.
Does Union Hall accept applications from artist collectives?
Union Hall does not accept applications from artist collectives at this time. One curator or two co-curators may apply for the program in a single application.
Does Union Hall accept applications for mediums outside of the visual arts?
Yes. Union Hall accepts proposals that include mediums outside of the visual arts, including, but not limited to: music, poetry, dance, film, and performance of all kinds.
Application Process
What is needed in the application?
Details on program eligibility, application materials, FAQ’s, and information sessions for 2026 are available on our application webpage.
When is the deadline?
Applications are due on Monday, October 27th at 11:59pm MT. Applications must be completed through the 2026 Rough Gems Google Form.
How many artists and curators can be included in a proposal?
Applications must have at least one (1) designated curator or a maximum of (2) co-curators. At least four (4) and up to six (6) artists can be included in each proposal. Curators who include their own artwork as a part of their proposal will not be considered.
Should artists be consulted throughout the application process?
Curatorial teams may communicate with proposed artists to determine availability of works and willingness to participate in an exhibition if accepted. However, applications should be compiled and submitted only by the applicant curators. While Union Hall aims to support artists throughout the program, Rough Gems is primarily geared towards individuals who want to build curatorial skills and learn about planning an exhibition from start to finish in a gallery setting.
Can artists create new work for exhibitions?
Union Hall discourages the creation of new artwork for Rough Gems exhibitions, and asks that applicants look to existing work for their proposals.
Are layouts required?
Layouts are not required for applications at this time. Though curatorial teams are permitted to provide details on their intended layout or a rough sketch, this will not be a determining factor in Union Hall’s assessment of proposals. If selected, curatorial teams will work with Union Hall’s Chief Curator to create a layout collaboratively.
How many proposals can I submit?
Union Hall encourages one (1) proposal from each curator/curatorial team in each application year.
Can I see the dimensions and a floor plan of Union Hall?
Yes. You can view and download a sample floor plan PDF with dimensions and architectural renderings.
Can Union Hall provide tours of the gallery space?
Union Hall staff do not have the capacity to provide tours for individual applicants at this time. Applicants can reference exhibition photographs and a 360 tour of the gallery on our website. More specific questions regarding Rough Gems applications can be directed to info@unionhalldenver.org. Applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions virtually on Tuesday, September 30th, and in person at the gallery on Tuesday, October 14th.
Does Union Hall have the ability to display digital media?
Yes. Union Hall has three (3) 1080p Vizio Televisions available for use in addition to one (1) 4k moveable, hanging projector with internal audio capabilities, and one non-moveable, hanging projector with overhead sound syncing. Union Hall also has one (1) media player available for use.
How should a curator select artists for their exhibition?
Curators approach artist selection in a variety of ways and it is up to the curatorial team to decide on the selection process. Curators might start with a concept and research artists that align with that idea, or curators might have artists they would like to feature and will find a common thread throughout their work to build a concept from. For specific questions, we encourage applicants to attend an information session.\
When will I be notified of a decision regarding my application?
We will notify all applicants in mid November of 2025.
When does the planning process for exhibitions begin?
Union Hall will host a private orientation with the selected 2026 Rough Gems curators in person at Union Hall on one of the following dates December 7, 8, or 9 from 10am - 5pm MT based on the schedules of accepted applicants. Virtual weekly check-ins with the Chief Curator will be scheduled with each curatorial team following orientation.
Budget
Does Union Hall require a budget?
Union Hall does NOT require a budget for applicants at this time. Union Hall has set amounts that we provide which cover stipends (artist, curator, and any performers), marketing support, installation support and materials, and more. Union Hall will consider other proposed expenses as well, which must be outlined in the application. We ask that applicants describe any additional budgetary considerations for this exhibition and approximate costs, including but not limited to: any shipping costs (approximate amounts based on USPS rates), art transportation (truck rentals for local transport), specific installation needs (do you need pedestals, tech, hanging hardware, etc?), and anything else specific to the exhibition concept.
Please note that Union Hall discourages proposals that include the production of new artwork at this time. In addition, the budgetary question is intended to gain a general understanding of additional costs for the proposed exhibition and the selection of a proposal is not a guarantee that Union Hall will be able to cover all associated costs.
What is a stipend and what is that intended for?
Stipends are predetermined amounts to compensate artists and curators for their time and labor, and are not meant to be reimbursements for materials or shipping. Any additional costs must be outlined in the budget section of the application.
Review
Who reviews my application?
Applications are reviewed by a jury composed of Union Hall staff, board, and community members with curatorial and artistic expertise.
What criteria will be used to review my application?
Aesthetic and Conceptual Value of the exhibition: Does it align with Union Hall’s vision, mission, and core values? Will it be a valued addition to the exhibition program at Union Hall?
Supplemental programming: Does the proposed artwork have additional components that can be included into Union Hall’s programming calendar? Do these ideas feel relevant to the exhibition concept, and exciting?
Feasibility: Is the exhibition realistic given the timeline of the Rough Gems program?
Curator Commitments
What are the required dates for selected curators?
Applicants will rank their exhibition time slot preference from first to third choice within the Google Form Application. The Union Hall team will take preferences into consideration, and ultimately make the final decision.
Rough Gems Curator Orientation: December 7, 8, or 9 from 10am - 5pm at Union Hall based on the schedules of selected applicants
Opening reception for your exhibition period: either March 5th, June 25th, or August 20th of 2026 from 6-8pm at Union Hall - based on selected applicants preferences
Installation of your exhibition: Curators are required to attend and participate in two full installation days in preparation of your exhibition.
Curatorial talk and (1) additional proposed supplemental event/program: TBD based on selected applicants schedules, and in alignment with Union Hall's calendar
Commit to a one-hour, in-person meeting with Union Hall's Chief Curator in December of 2025: TBD based on selected applicants schedules
Frequent virtual check-ins with the Chief Curator: TBD based on selected applicants schedules
What is a curator’s role?
Curators are responsible for all communication with artists. They must confirm artist commitment and available artwork, write a full curatorial statement, and gather marketing information, contracts, and invoices from artists. Curators will work collaboratively with the Union Hall team to create a layout, create and manage a budget, organize exhibition installation and deinstallation, produce marketing materials, and organize supplemental programming.
Are curators responsible for installation and deinstallation of their show?
Curators/curatorial teams must be prepared to arrange the installation and deinstallation of your exhibition within the limits outlined in the budget guidelines. Union Hall will be available and present to assist.
What does Union Hall provide?
Union Hall will provide curatorial stipends of $1,000 to each curator (up to two curators), and artist stipends of $300 to each artist (up to six artists). These stipends are not to be used towards exhibition costs; they are compensation for your creative work. Please refer to the Budgetary Considerations question in the application for more information regarding the budget constraints that your proposal must abide by, and what Union Hall can financially support for each accepted proposal.
In addition to artist and curatorial stipends Union Hall will also provide:
Curatorial mentorship
General guidance, planning, and exhibition layout support
Social media, marketing, and press outreach
Event coordination and programming planning
Installation and deinstallation support
Access to Union Hall’s installation tools and resources
Vinyl exhibition text
Artwork labels
Virtual gallery guide support
Exhibition photography
Full use of Union Hall’s facilities, including walls, pedestals, shelves, furniture, and technology
Staffing during the exhibition’s open hours as supplementary programming
Awards
When will I be notified of a decision regarding my application?
We will notify all applicants in mid November of 2025.
When does the planning process for exhibitions begin?
Union Hall will host a private orientation with the selected 2026 Rough Gems curators in person at Union Hall on one of the following dates December 7, 8, or 9 from 10am - 5pm based on the schedules of accepted applicants. Virtual weekly check-ins with the Chief Curator will be scheduled with each curatorial team following orientation.
