At a Glance
- Tasks: Submit your artwork exploring Chinese adoptee identity and connect with a vibrant community.
- Company: Pao Arts Center, a hub for AAPI artists and cultural expression.
- Benefits: Showcase your work in a unique exhibit and network with fellow artists.
- Other info: Engage in cohort gatherings and attend the opening reception in Boston.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking exhibit that amplifies Chinese adoptee voices.
- Qualifications: Open to all Chinese adoptee artists, regardless of medium or experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Pao Arts Center is looking for Chinese adoptee artists whose practice engages with adoptee identity as a central theme. This exhibit centres the voices of Chinese adoptee artists, illuminating the lived experiences and creative expressions that emerge as they negotiate, reimagine, and reclaim their complex identities.
This call for artists is organised around the Adoptee Consciousness Model—an academic framework that traces the nonlinear, ever-evolving path of adoptee identity. The model features five “touchstones” or defining moments which “propel the adoptee to a different aspect of consciousness, rather than a linear set of stages with a ‘final’ or desired outcome.” The touchstones are: status quo, rupture, dissonance, expansiveness, and agency. During the submission process, Pao Arts Center asks artists to reflect on their work in relation to the Consciousness Model.
This exhibit will be curated by Maia Erslev (they/them), a Chinese adoptee and the Visual Arts Manager at Pao Arts Center. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a virtual meeting, don’t hesitate to reach out to Maia Erslev. It will be on view from November 12, 2026 to January 15, 2027.
RequirementsPao Arts Center welcomes submissions from Chinese adoptees of all backgrounds and mediums and will consider both existing and new work. This is one of the first exhibits to centre Chinese adoptee voices, and they hope to use this unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections between selected artists and a broader community of AAPI artists through Pao Arts Center’s extensive network. Artists who are actively seeking connection with other adoptee artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please note that Pao Arts Center does not currently offer a travel stipend. Artists are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of transportation of their artwork to and from Pao Arts Center. Two required cohort gatherings will be held in Boston, with virtual options available. Selected artists are required to attend the opening reception in person on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The call for submissions is open May 18–August 9. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Emerging from Rupture: Chinese Adoptee Voices employer: Asian American Arts Alliance
Pao Arts Center is an exceptional employer that champions the voices of Chinese adoptee artists, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of Boston. With a commitment to meaningful engagement and community connection, the centre offers unique opportunities for artistic growth and collaboration, making it an inspiring place for creatives to explore and express their identities. By centring the experiences of adoptees, Pao Arts Center not only enriches the local arts scene but also provides a supportive environment for artists to thrive.
Contact Detail:
Asian American Arts Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emerging from Rupture: Chinese Adoptee Voices
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow artists and adoptees in your community. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your work. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that gig!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your unique voice! When you’re applying, make sure your portfolio reflects your personal journey as a Chinese adoptee. Highlight how your experiences shape your art – it’s what makes you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Follow up on your applications, ask for feedback, and keep an eye on upcoming exhibitions. We’re all about taking initiative here at StudySmarter!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values your voice and creativity. Let’s get your art out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Emerging from Rupture: Chinese Adoptee Voices
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Pao Arts Center is looking for artists who engage with adoptee identity, so make sure your work reflects that theme clearly.
Be Authentic:This is your chance to share your unique voice and experiences as a Chinese adoptee artist. Don’t hold back! Let your personality shine through in your writing, and be honest about your journey and how it influences your art.
Connect to the Touchstones:As you reflect on your work, think about how it relates to the Adoptee Consciousness Model. Make sure to mention specific touchstones like rupture or agency in your application to show how your art fits into this framework.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smooth process. It’s the best way to ensure your work gets seen by the right people at Pao Arts Center!
How to prepare for a job interview at Asian American Arts Alliance
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own journey as a Chinese adoptee. Be ready to share how your experiences shape your artistic practice and how they relate to the Adoptee Consciousness Model. This personal connection will resonate with the curators and show your genuine engagement with the theme.
✨Research the Curator
Familiarise yourself with Maia Erslev's work and their perspective on adoptee identity. Understanding their background and artistic vision can help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just interested in the exhibit, but also in contributing to a meaningful dialogue around the subject.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
Gather a selection of your artwork that best represents your exploration of adoptee identity. Be prepared to discuss how each piece connects to the touchstones of the Adoptee Consciousness Model. This will not only showcase your skills but also highlight your thoughtful engagement with the theme.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the exhibit or the community connections Pao Arts Center aims to foster. This shows your enthusiasm for collaboration and your desire to be part of a larger conversation within the AAPI artist community.
