Going Solo

Lessons from my first year as a *fully* Independent Curator

Let’s get one thing straight: I’ve kind of always been an independent curator. I just didn’t realize it at first. It was either a way of helping a friend, an occasional advocacy effort, a side gig… But after 6 years of navigating the arts & museum field, I gave myself permission to pursue a fully independent curatorial practice.

Up until that point, my post-lawyer (VE) / post-nanny (US) career had been defined by temporary contracts and project-based work in the area. As a non-citizen, the challenges are a bit more complex: from visa restrictions and limited job options, to the constant need to prove my worth in highly competitive spaces. Still, I worked my way up from a gallery guide to a public programs manager within the Smithsonian Institution—roles that gave me a sense of stability and professional legitimacy, even if I didn’t get employee benefits.

By the end of 2023, after seeing that several of my curatorial proposals and applications had been accepted, it felt like the time to go for it! Actually be an independent curator. Full-time. All the time… or at least for a year? We’ll see how it goes! :)

And so, 2024 brought a rush of incredible opportunities, creative challenges, and, of course, valuable lessons. Here are some of the top takeaways from my first “real year” of working independently:

1. Persistence, Persistence, Persistence

Application processes can feel like screaming into the void, especially when those rejections roll in. But every rejection became an opportunity to refine my proposals, improve my research/writing skills, and better understand what funders and institutions were looking for. It takes time, but it pays off! Those yeses weren’t just lucky breaks— they’re the result of consistent effort.

2. Heavy is the Head that Wears All the Hats

As an independent curator, you’re not just selecting artworks or writing proposals. You’re your own project manager, marketing team, accountant, installer, tech support, etc. It’s overwhelming. But it’s also empowering to develop such a diverse skill set. Abilities don’t dilute when you learn new ones; they only make you more well-rounded. It’ll definitely come in handy for any project you take on, independently or not.

3. Working on My Voice

Independence has both allowed and forced me to look inward and uncover what I want to express. I’ve chosen projects that resonate with my personal mission of uplifting peripheral voices, exploring diasporic narratives, and fostering intergenerational creative learning, but there’s always more to learn and refine. Working on my voice will always be an ongoing journey, but not constrained by institutional priorities, I’ve been able to delve deeper into the themes that matter to me the most.

4. Foster Growth in Others

I got to mentor a fantastic artist and emerging curator, Carter Wynne, as part of the DC Arts Center 2024 Curatorial initiative. Nurturing the next generation of creatives isn’t just about offering guidance; it’s about creating a space for them to find and develop their voice, build confidence, and take risks. This was such a rewarding experience, and in the process, I learned to articulate my thoughts and practice more clearly, which deepened my own understanding of my work.

5. Success is Different for Everyone

Traditional signs of success, like a full-time job or a steady paycheck, aren’t the only measures of achievement. For me, success has meant having the freedom to pursue meaningful projects, connect with like-minded creatives, and make an impact on my own terms. I’ve landed opportunities that align with my values, seen artists and curators I mentor thrive, was invited to present my own booth at Umbrella Art Fair, brought together 3 of my favorite Venezuelan artists for a show and got a full-page write-up in The New York Times!

A moment of celebration with Carter Wynne at the panel for her curatorial debut at DCAC! So proud to see her vision come to life. Photo by Luke Pietrantonio

As I reflect on this wonderful year, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities I've had, the growth I've experienced, and the amazing people who’ve supported me along the way (it’s never a solo journey, really!) Every connection, lesson, and experience has shaped me in ways I didn’t anticipate, and I’m so thankful for it all. Here’s to another year of art pushing! ✨