VisArts Emerging Curator Program 2026 (Due Jan. 30)
VisArts Emerging Curator Program 2026
Deadline: January 30th, 2026
VisArts invites applications from emerging curators to work with an experienced mentoring curator to develop and present an exhibition at VisArts in the Kaplan Gallery in the fall of 2026.
The VisArts Emerging Curator Program offers a unique opportunity for an emerging curator or artist with an interest in exhibition-making or curating to work with an experienced mentoring curator to develop and present an exhibition and to assist in the presentation of the mentor’s exhibition. To develop expanded education programming and enhanced visitor experiences, the 2026 Emerging Curator and the 2026 Mentoring Curator will also focus on developing tools to support public programming that promotes social interaction, creative exchange, and audience engagement.
VisArts will provide the Emerging Curator with a $10,000 budget to cover exhibition costs and curatorial fees. Additional staff support for printing, promotions, and execution of exhibition programming is available. The program is one year and will begin in January 2026.
Curatorial Collaboration
During the yearlong program, the curatorial team (mentoring curator and emerging curator) will:
Conduct curatorial research
Develop a cohesive and compelling exhibition proposal
Develop writing skills for catalogs and other printed and online materials
Develop budgets for executing exhibitions and exhibition programming
Communicate with artists and lending institutions, developing contracts and loan information
Design and implement educational exhibition programming and outreach activities that engage artists, curators, and public audience of all ages
Develop sponsorship/fundraising initiatives to support the exhibition programming (if needed)
Oversee exhibition design and installation
Develop marketing and public relations materials in support of the exhibition, such as press releases, website + social media content, and print media
The VisArts Emerging Curator Program provides emerging curators with practical, hands-on experience at a community arts organization. It’s designed to support diverse exhibitions presenting a broad spectrum of ideas and curatorial approaches. In addition, it enhances the VisArts exhibition experience by developing educational opportunities, public programming, and opportunities for community engagement through expanded use of interactive interpretive media.