Through the introduction and exhibition of works of new art + new design and related projects by artists, designers, duos, groups and collectives around the world, The BECA Foundation aims to facilitate an experimental, cross-pollination of new ideas for creative innovation in diverse locations around the world.  The title, ‘CURATE THIS!’ reflects a departure from the familiar large scale exhibition model, typically curated by a singular vision with one head curator, to an exhibition with components and related events ‘curated’ by the public and professional and independent participants residing in multiple cities around the world.  The first ‘CURATE THIS!’ experiment took place in early 2008 and led artists and BECA Foundation directors, Melissa Roberts and Kurt Schlough to begin brainstorming the expansion of the experiment to bring about greater benefits to a larger number of participants.

BECA is an acronym for Bridge for Emerging Contemporary Art and the core belief system at The BECA Foundation is that “New art + new design fuels the best of what’s yet to come on this planet.”  To help mix that fuel and kick start new possibilities, the expansion of the CURATE THIS! exhibition project will facilitate a broader exposure of new art, new design and new ideas through both a physical and online network of participating venues in multiple cities around the world. The aim of building the network is to create international arts + cultural exchange opportunities, broaden arts education opportunities and appreciation for emerging contemporary art + design, facilitate introductions and lay the foundation for future innovation, progress + possibility.  Global online content delivery of exhibition events and related special projects will enable global participation by millions around the world.  The BECA Foundation is pleased to welcome the participation of Helen Pheby, PhD, Curator of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, UK whose research and curatorial work spans the globe including the US and Iraq and Ellen Lupton, legendary design educator and Curator of Contemporary Design at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. Each has a unique insight which will add further depth and diversity to new CURATE THIS! 2010 exhibition components.

Upcoming participating venues in Boston, New Orleans, Miami, Denver, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, New York, London and Hong Kong have been the first locations to sign on.  Venue participation proposals have also been submitted by exclusively online communities.  Artists + Designers may download complete information and register to participate at: http://www.thebecafoundation.org/global/calls-to-artists.html

Art Organization and Artspace Directors, Design and Studio Directors, professionally affiliated and independent Curators, Gallery Directors, Universities, Museums, Entrepreneurs, Editors and Publishers, among other Creative Producers as well as Lease-Holders and Owners of other event and non-traditional exhibition spaces may visit http://www.curatethis.org/for-venues.php for venue participation information.

“Free your mind and the rest will follow.” – Thomas McElroy And Denzil Foster