Rough Gems Application
Open Call for Curatorial Proposals
From September 8 through October 27 of 2026, artists, writers, cultural producers, and aspiring curators are invited to submit proposals for original exhibitions that push boundaries, spark conversation, and reflect the vibrancy of the Denver Metropolitan community.
Rough Gems is an annual collaborative curatorial training program that showcases the work of three Denver-area curators or curatorial teams. Now in its eighth year, each team receives financial support, mentorship, and access to Union Hall’s space, budget, and resources in order to create a six-week exhibition, alongside community-facing programming and public engagement opportunities.
The deadline to apply is October 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
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Open To Everyone!
People ages 18+ from all backgrounds and disciplines who reside in the Denver Metro area are encouraged to apply
Open to all students, emerging curators, artists, writers, historians, cultural producers, and those interested in art practices or exhibition-organizing
No prior curatorial experience is required
There is no fee to apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Please direct all questions regarding eligibility, budget, the application and review process, and awards to our FAQ page.
Each curator will receive a $1,025 stipend, and each participating artist will receive a $315 stipend.
Information Sessions
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Virtual Informational Session
Tuesday, September 29 from 6:00 - 7:30pm MT
Union Hall’s Chief Curator Esther Hernandez will review the 2026 Rough Gems application and required documents with time for Q&A from prospective applicants.
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Happy Hour at the Gallery
Tuesday, October 20 from 6:00 - 7:30pm MT
Meet Union Hall staff and past Rough Gems curators in a relaxed setting. Ask questions, browse the exhibition space, and connect with other creatives.
Exhibition Timelines
On the application, teams will rank their exhibition time slot preference from first to third choice. The jury will take preferences into consideration, and ultimately make the final decision. The six-week exhibition time slots are as follows:
Exhibition 1
Thursday, February 11 - Saturday, March 20, 2027
Install: 2/4/27 - 2/10/27
Opening night: 2/11/27
Closing day: 3/20/27 at 6pm
Deinstall: 3/21/27 - 3/24/27
Exhibition 2
Thursday, June 24 - Saturday, August 7, 2027
Install: 6/17/27 - 6/23/27
Opening night: 6/24/27
Closing day: 8/7/27 at 6pm
Deinstall: 8/8/27 - 8/11/27
Exhibition 3
Thursday, August 19 - Saturday, October 2, 2027
Install: 8/12/27 - 8/18/27
Opening night: 8/19/27
Closing day: 10/2/27 at 6pm
Deinstall: 10/3/27 - 10/6/27
The mission of the Rough Gems program is to broaden the voices responsible for exhibition making in Denver.
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?
