emerging curator program 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.

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 catalogues 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.

Timeline 

• Finalists notified: February 6, 2026

• Finalist interviews: February 11-13, 2026

• Emerging Curator notified: February 18, 2026

• Program: February 2026 – January 2027 (detailed schedule TBD)

• Emerging Curator exhibition:  November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027

• Mentoring Curator exhibition:  July 31 – October 26, 2026