Union Hall
1750 Wewatta Street
Suite 144
Denver, CO 80202
United States
Founded in 2019 in Denver’s Union Station neighborhood, Union Hall is a nonprofit culture and exhibition space developed by local artists and community members to address gaps in the regional arts ecosystem by providing a flexible, artist-driven platform for curatorial risk and creative experimentation. Since opening, Union Hall has built a community of emerging creatives presenting experimental, socially engaged work through exhibitions, public programs, and educational pathways. The organization’s mission is to advance opportunities for diverse, emerging artists, offer accessible and enriching experiences for Denver residents and visitors, and serve as a community-centered space for critical inquiry and dialogue.
Union Hall Art Space is now accepting proposals for the 2027 cycle of Rough Gems, a celebrated curatorial incubator designed to uplift emerging voices in Denver’s art scene. From September 8 through October 27, 2026, artists, writers, cultural producers, and aspiring curators are invited to submit proposals for original exhibitions that push boundaries, spark conversation, and reflect the vibrancy of the Denver Metropolitan community.
The Rough Gems program is intended for anyone who is seeking curatorial mentorship and a platform to shape and share an original exhibition in a supportive, hands-on environment. Participants receive mentorship from Union Hall’s Chief Curator Esther Hernandez, support from regional subject matter experts, and collaborate with local and national artists. The program provides equitable artist ($315) and curatorial stipends ($1,025), access to Union Hall’s facilities, an allocated budget, installation and deinstallation support, and marketing and public relations assistance.
Rough Gems was launched in 2019 to cultivate curatorial leadership and create accessible, real-world experience for emerging creatives. As the only training program in Colorado dedicated to the mentorship and development of emerging curators, the program offers an annual platform for three curators/curator teams to present innovative exhibitions at Union Hall. Selected through a competitive jury process, three Rough Gems exhibitions will take place in six week increments throughout 2027.
Program eligibility, application requirements, and frequently asked questions can be found on Union Hall’s website at UnionHallDenver.org/rough-gems-application.
The 2027 Rough Gems curatorial training program is generously supported in part by the Virginia W. Hill Foundation.
Eligibility Information
- The Rough Gems Curatorial Training Program is designed for new and emerging curators
- No prior curatorial experience is required
- Applications are open to artists, writers, designers, cultural producers, historians, and emerging curators
- Applicants must be 18 or older and reside in the Denver Metropolitan area
- Individual proposals can include one curator or two co-curators
- Proposals must include between four to six artists
- Applications must be completed by the proposed curator(s)
- Union Hall does not accept applications from artist collectives at this time. One curator or two co-curators may apply for the program in a single application. While proposed curators can not apply as a collective, proposed artists can be a part of a collective
- Curators who include their own artwork in a proposal will not be considered
- Applications are free of charge
- Applicants must have access to reliable transportation
- Union Hall accepts proposals that include mediums outside of the visual arts, including, but not limited to: music, poetry, dance, film, and performance of all kinds.
Additional Opportunity Information
Applications must be completed via Google Form by October 27, 2026 at 11:59pm MT.
Submitting a proposal is not a guarantee that the proposal will be accepted. Proposals will be reviewed by a jury consisting of Union Hall staff, board members, program alumni, and community professionals with curatorial experience to ensure they are appropriate for the space, comply with mission and vision statements, policies, and budgets. Small adjustments may need to be made to accepted proposals to ensure exhibitions are appropriate for our space and budget.
Information Sessions
Several improvements have been made to the application process and the program. Prospective applicants are highly encouraged to attend one or both information sessions.
There will be a Virtual Application Info Session on Tuesday, September 29 from 6:00 - 7:30pm MT via Zoom. This session will cover the application process and allow prospective applicants to ask questions.
Additionally, Union Hall will host a Happy Hour with Rough Gems Alumni on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:00 - 7:30pm MT. Meet Union Hall staff and Rough Gems alumni curators. Ask questions, browse the exhibition space, and connect with other creatives.
Learn more and RSVP to one or both info sessions by visiting unionhalldenver.org/rough-gems-application.
There is no fee to apply.
Awards or Stipend Information
Each curator will receive a $1,025 stipend, and each participating artist will receive a $315 stipend.
Union Hall selects three (3) curatorial proposals each year. Each individual exhibition is provided with an allocated budget and dedicated stipends.
Exhibition 1
- 1 curator or two co-curators: each receive a $1,025 stipend
- 4 - 6 artists: each receiving a $315 stipend
Exhibition 2
- 1 curator or two co-curators: each receive a $1,025 stipend
- 4 - 6 artists: each receiving a $315 stipend
Exhibition 3
- 1 curator or two co-curators: each receive a $1,025 stipend
- 4 - 6 artists: each receiving a $315 stipend
Accessibility Information
Union Hall's gallery space includes customizable features including lighting, wall panels, and furniture which is arranged to maximize accessibility. Curators are encouraged to maintain ADA compliance when designing their exhibition layout and aligned public programming.
Selected curators are required to participate in 2 days of installation for their exhibitions which may include moving, lifting, hanging, or placing objects, in addition to painting walls, patching, or repairing/maintaining artwork as needed. Union Hall's staff and contractors will work with and alongside selected curators who require accommodations.
For more information on Union Hall's location, parking, and accessibility, visit our website at unionhalldenver.org/visit.
Union Hall Non-Discrimination Policy
Union Hall does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, native language, disability, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, transgender status, ancestry, genetic information, military status, veteran status, political service, or affiliation in any of its activities or operations. We do not and will not discriminate for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, customers, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.