Date of Decision: March 26, 2021
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Curator
Field: Art Curation
Nationality: Not specified in the document
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Judging the Work of Others in the Field:
The Beneficiary served as a judge on doctoral panels and award and fellowship committees, demonstrating her recognition as an expert in the field.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The Beneficiary authored books, book chapters, and scholarly articles published in professional publications, establishing her as a thought leader in art curation.
Leading or Critical Role:
The Beneficiary has held the position of Associate Curator for I I Art at a prominent art museum, significantly impacting the museum’s exhibitions, research, and educational activities.
Criteria Not Met:
Published Material About the Alien in Professional or Major Trade Publications:
Although there were articles about the Beneficiary, the evidence was not sufficient to establish that the publications were major media.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The evidence provided did not sufficiently demonstrate that the Beneficiary made original contributions of major significance to the field of art curation.
Display of Work at Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
The evidence did not establish that the Beneficiary’s work was displayed at exhibitions or showcases indicative of her being among the top in her field.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
Not applicable or not sufficiently addressed in the decision.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
The Beneficiary was featured in various publications, but the publications did not meet the criteria of being major media outlets.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The evidence did not demonstrate significant original contributions by the Beneficiary to the field of art curation.
Participation as a Judge:
The Beneficiary served as a judge on doctoral panels and award and fellowship committees, confirming her expertise and recognition in the field.
Membership in Associations:
Not applicable or not sufficiently addressed in the decision.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The Beneficiary authored numerous scholarly articles, books, and book chapters, establishing her as a leading voice in art curation.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The Beneficiary played a critical role at the art museum, significantly contributing to its success and recognition.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
The evidence did not establish that the Beneficiary’s work was displayed in major artistic exhibitions or showcases.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
Not applicable or not sufficiently addressed in the decision.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
Not applicable or not sufficiently addressed in the decision.
Supporting Documentation
Judging Credentials: Documentation of the Beneficiary’s roles on doctoral panels and award and fellowship committees.
Scholarly Publications: Copies of the Beneficiary’s books, book chapters, and articles published in professional journals.
Reference Letters: Letters from high-level employees and experts attesting to the Beneficiary’s critical role and contributions to the museum and the field of art curation.
Museum Annual Report: Evidence of the Beneficiary’s impact on the museum’s exhibitions, research, and educational activities.
Media Coverage: Articles and reviews highlighting the Beneficiary’s work and its significance in major media outlets.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal was approved.
Reasoning: The Beneficiary met at least three of the evidentiary criteria for classification as an individual of extraordinary ability. The evidence demonstrated her sustained national and international acclaim and recognized achievements in the field of art curation. The Beneficiary’s critical role at the art museum and her scholarly contributions were pivotal in establishing her eligibility for this classification.
Next Steps: The Beneficiary will continue her work as an Associate Curator for I I Art, contributing to the museum’s success and advancing the field of art curation.
