Call for new Board Members

For immediate release: 9/16/2023

Terrain Exhibitions is seeking enthusiastic and committed people to join our Board of Directors. The Board is composed of individuals working to drive and support the vision, strategy, and financial oversight of Terrain Exhibitions. 

Mission and History:

Terrain Exhibitions brings contemporary art where it is most needed and least expected: yards, front steps, windows, porches, and roofs in residential neighborhoods across the U.S. (and beyond).   We create greater access for new and underserved audiences for contemporary art, empowering neighbors to make private spaces public in a spirit of generosity and collaboration.

Board Responsibilities:

Board members drive operational and strategic oversight, exhibitions and events, marketing and promotion, fundraising, and all other facets of operations. Board members spend an average of five to eight hours per month on committee and program activities, with an increased time commitment as necessary in advance of, and during our signature programming, the Terrain Biennial. 

Terrain Exhibitions believes that its Board of Directors should reflect the diversity of cultural producers and community members it serves. Terrain Exhibitions strongly encourages and welcomes BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and/or persons with disabilities to apply to join our board. 

Candidates should possess some or all of the following qualities:

• A knowledge and passion for accessible visual arts and public programming in Chicago and beyond

• A commitment to serving and supporting marginalized artists and individuals

• A commitment to serving and supporting under-served and underrepresented communities

• An ability to foster and sustain relationships

• A willingness to commit time, energy, and resources to drive the organizational and strategic needs of Terrain Exhibitions

General expectations include:

• Generally 5-7 hours per month of service to the organization, this includes board meetings, committee meetings and some “homework”

  • In preparation for and during the Biennial, Fundraisers, and other events, Board members may be asked to contribute more time and resources than the aforementioned 5 - 7 hours per month. 

• Serve a minimum of one two-year term and up to two terms for a total of four years of service

• Participate in Board meetings as they are scheduled, 6 to 10 times a year (remotely and/or in person)

• Serve on at least one committee

• Work to present future iterations of the Terrain Biennial

 We seek individuals that are working in, or are familiar with, contemporary art, arts administration, and public art. As part of our continued effort to give shape and grow as a relatively new non-profit, we also seek nominees who are knowledgeable in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and Accounting

• Fundraising and Development 

• Law and Legal Services

• Administration and Operations

• Marketing, Communications and Design

• Community Partnerships

• Event Management & Planning

To nominate:

Self-nominations or the nomination of peers are welcome. To nominate, submit a statement of interest and a resume/CV/LinkedIn/Professional website to info@terrainexhibitions.org by October 30th, 2022. In your statement  of interest, please tell us about your interest in Terrain Exhibitions and note any skills, experience, or perspective that you would bring to the Board.

If you have questions and want to know more, please reach out to info@terrainexhibitions.org. 

About Terrain

Terrain Exhibitions was founded in 2011 by the late artist, curator, and educator Sabina Ott. Over the course of seven years, Ott invited over a hundred artists to exhibit site specific works in her front yard and on the porch at her home in Oak Park, Illinois. In 2013, the Terrain Biennial – an international art festival that takes place on lawns, in front yards, on porches, beneath awnings, and in windows -- was launched. In 2019, Terrain Exhibitions became a 501c3 Not for Profit organization established in the State of Illinois and has been led by a working Board of Directors. Terrain Exhibitions continues to produce the Terrain Biennial, generates ancillary programming in support of our mission, and hosts the Terrain Residency in Springfield, Illinois with our partners, the Springfield Art Association, and the Enos Park Residency Program.