Open Forum

Theme: Present Tense
proposals due June 3, 2025

Call for Papers for Exhibition journal

As exhibition professionals, we often prefer to tell complete stories, ones where the outcome or takeaway is crystal clear to us and to our audiences. It is important for us to remember, however, that no one can know everything and that sitting with uncertainty, doubt, and not knowing can be infinitely more enlightening than finding an easy but ultimately wrong answer. This is especially true as we confront all manner of social movements, scientific and technological developments, and political shifts in the present moment. The endings to these stories have yet to be written, so there are no answers-at least not right now.

To remain relevant to our communities, we have an obligation to engage with contemporary topics and events, and to do so in ways that have the potential to broaden conversations and lead to understanding and engagement. So, how can we get comfortable with stories that have no ending? How do we sit with uncertainty and not knowing, while striving for nuance, accuracy, and possibility? In short, how do we craft exhibitions in the present tense?

Visit the link to read the full call and to review helpful tips on how to craft a successful proposal. We can't wait to hear from you!