This annual program has been generously sponsored by Emerson since its beginning in 1999.

EMERSON VISITING CRITICS AND CURATORS SERIES 2008

Each year, as part of its mission to promote the local arts community, the Contemporary invites internationally renowned critics and curators to St. Louis. During their stay, these visiting curators arrange studios visits with local artists, are introduced to area art galleries and institutions, and deliver a free public lecture at the Contemporary. The Emerson Visiting Critics and Curators program provides an important opportunity for artists in St. Louis to have their work reviewed by distinguished writers, artist historians and curators, while working to raise the visibility of St. Louis as an exciting and important cultural center.

The 2008 Visiting Critic will be Sina Najafi, Editor-in-Chief of Cabinet magazine.

Sina Najafi is also the editorial director of Cabinet Books. Najafi has curated several exhibitions, including "Philosophical Toys" (Apex Art, summer 2005), "Odd Lots: Revisiting Gordon Matta-Clark's Fake Estates" (White Columns and Queens Museum of Art, fall 2005; in collaboration with Jeffrey Kastner and Frances Richard), and the traveling exhibition "The Paper Sculpture Show" (traveling show: in collaboration with Matt Freedman and Mary Ceruti). Current projects include "The Museum of Testing" for Manifesta 7 in Italy and a series of books investigating sidelined philosophical categories such as shame, fatigue, and gesture. He holds degrees in Comparative Literature from Princeton University, Columbia University, and New York University.

SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED.

If you are an artist living in the St. Louis area and would like to be considered for a studio visit, please submit:

• A CD or DVD with eight images of work. Each image file must be in JPEG format and no larger than 8 x 10 inches or 300 dpi and should be RGB. For video or multi-media work, please submit an excerpt of five minutes on DVD format Please label the exterior of the CD/DVD with your name and the date.
• Complete credit lines for each image (your name, date, title of work, medium, and dimensions).
• A current resume including your address, phone number, and email address
• Support material (one review, essay, or gallery guide) or one page artist’s statement

Please note that materials will not be returned. The Contemporary will not accept slides or original materials. Submissions must be received no later than August 29, 2008.

Send images and supporting materials to:

Emerson Visiting Critics & Curators Series
Attn: Laura Fried, Assistant Curator
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
3750 Washington Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108