PD Adjudication Criteria

For internal use, for Project Development Committee Members.

All projects should reinforce PIA’s mission: We champion contemporary art, artists, and organizations to provide thoughtful perspectives on our world.

Main Criteria

1. Curatorial Expertise

We define curation as the process of selecting, managing and presenting some type of collection.
Does the curator(s) Bio or CV show a track record of curating or relevant academic credentials?
If it doesn’t, are they being mentored by someone who does?
Do they clearly articulate their vision for the exhibition or program? Do they have the skills and support to be able to execute their exhibition or program?

2. Innovative and Impactful

We define this as helping move the Canadian contemporary arts forward.
The artist(s) work or curatorial theme should reflect fresh ideas that add to the cultural dialogue of our times (personal and cultural identity, family, community and nationality, etc.) or is it something new and never been done before (i.e. Toronto Biennial of Art).
Does this project:
– Excite you?
– Reflect fresh thinking about current issues and/or add to the innovation of creating art (such as experimenting in new art forms, creating a new art exhibition platform, etc.)?
– Help the Canadian organization, artist(s), curator(s), or community move forward?

3. Educational Opportunities

All projects must offer a strong educational component for both the public and PIA. For PIA, this means access to the artist or lead curator.
Do they have a plan for a program to engage the public?
Will PIA have at least one educational opportunity for its members?
Will PIA have access to the artist(s) and/or curators?

4. Diversification of PIA’s Funding Portfolio

PIA aims to fund a variety of projects.

Does this project add to the balance of projects PIA funds:
– Wide appeal (e.g., a large public audience) or narrower target or focus (e.g., more academic)?
-Organizations: Large institutions, venues & formats or smaller organizations, venues & formats?
-Variety of PIA funding amounts: Over $25k or under $25k or $10k and under?

5. Inclusive and Equitable

PIA aims to support projects that reflect Canada’s diversity.
Strives to support projects by BIPOC cultural producers, in particular, Black and Indigenous folks.
Special consideration is given to projects by producers from marginalized communities.

6. Recognition Opportunities

Will PIA be recognized on the organization’s website, media outreach, and social media?

7. Financial + Administrative Viability

Is the project financially viable?
Do they have a detailed list of expenses and can they raise the remaining money they need to fully fund this project?
Have a Canadian Registered Charity number?

Note: We support only Canadian organizations.