Propose an Exhibit

Who can propose an exhibit?

Anyone can propose an exhibit; no special credentials or Penn affiliation are necessary. The exhibit program is a collaborative process, made for both seasoned and emerging curators alike. Depending on what group you fall into, you may need an institutional sponsor(s):

• Curators
• Departmental librarians
• Subject specialists
• Faculty*
• Students**
• Community member*
• Researcher*

*Requires institutional sponsor: Curator, Librarian, etc.
**Requires institutional sponsor and faculty member

How should I choose a topic?

Exhibition topics can vary from one show to the next. Here are some questions you ask yourself to help determine a topic and prepare you for the proposal process:

• What kind of story do I want to tell?
• What collection items at Penn Libraries help tell my story?
• Is my topic best shared through an exhibition? Why do I want to make an exhibition rather than a written publication or documentary?
• How does this story connect to other people?
• What kind of themes emerge from the collection of artifacts I've selected?
• Why should people care about this topic? Why is this topic important?
• Who else can I talk to on this topic to get informed perspectives?
• How do I want people to feel when they experience my exhibition? How can I evoke those feelings within a gallery space?

How do I submit a proposal?

Ready to propose an exhibit? As a first step, please send an email to Brittany Merriam, Director of Exhibits, and include the following information:

• What Penn Libraries collections you are interested in working with
• Brief description of the proposed exhibit topic
• Your proposed timeline
• Your Penn affiliation, if any

After the exhibits director has vetted your initial concept, you will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal. All proposals are vetted by an exhibits committee that meets on a rolling basis.