AIR_Frankfurt – International Call: Curator in Residence in Frankfurt 2026
Residency period: February 1 – March 31, 2026
Application deadline: September 28, 2025 midnight (GMT +2)
Notification date: November 2025
Location: basis e.V. Frankfurt, Gutleutstraße 8-12, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
basis e.V. and the city of Frankfurt are pleased to announce the fourth open call for curators in residence within the AIR_Frankfurt program. The open call addresses young international curators predominantly living and working outside of Germany who are interested to get deeper insight into the local art context of the city of Frankfurt am Main.
The aim of this curatorial residency program is to introduce new international perspectives to the local art community enhancing curatorial research, exchange and discourse in Frankfurt. Resident curators are provided time and space to develop their own curatorial interests, research and profile here at basis e.V. By connecting with the different artists, who obtain a studio at basis, they can work towards expanding their network and foster new ideas for future collaborations.
Studio visits and meetings with professionals in Frankfurt are an important part of the program. Networking opportunities will be offered. A public lecture or workshop can be held during the residency.
The curatorial resident will be fully funded by the city of Frankfurt, covering travel expenses and a per diem of 1000€/month. If necessary, we can also assist in obtaining a visa. The selected applicant will be hosted in a fully equipped studio apartment at basis e.V. in the heart of Frankfurt. Travel expenses will be covered as well.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are young cultural practitioners and scholars from all around the globe with a pertinent experience in curating exhibitions and/or related projects. The application should document a well-founded interest in current debates in arts and culture and a specific interest in the Frankfurt art scene.
The applicants should have a good level of spoken and written English (or German). A jury of experts decides about the awarding.
About basis and the city of Frankfurt am Main
basis e.V. was founded in 2006 in Frankfurt, Germany. The non-profit association promotes the production and reception of young contemporary art on different levels. Offering studios at five different sites to about 150 artists and creative workers, basis improves the conditions of cultural production in Frankfurt am Main. Furthermore, basis shows up to five international solo or group exhibitions of outstanding positions of contemporary art per year in their main exhibition rooms. Additional basis offers a wide range of support programs such as the AIR_Frankfurt and AIR_Offenbach residency programs.
basis is integrated in and contributes to the lively and diverse art scene of Frankfurt, shaped by a high density of various museums and cultural institutions for visual arts, performance, theatre or literature such as the Städel Museum, the MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst, the Künstlerhaus Mousonturm and others, as well as the renowned art schools Städelschule and the University of Art and Design HFG Offenbach am Main.
Overview
- Young international curators and art workers showing a consistent curatorial practice
- Country of residence predominantly outside Germany
- Good level of spoken and written English (or German)
- Successful graduates of a university or art academy
- Genuine interest in the local art scene of Frankfurt
Application Guidelines
The complete application in English or German should consist of:
- the fully completed application form and a description of current research topics and connected future projects
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- documentation of previous projects
- all links and images must be included in the application
- one pdf file (max. 5mb)
- file name consisting of first name+last name
For the application form (PDF) please check: https://basis-frankfurt.de/en/airfrankfurt-curator-residence-2024
The application needs to be submitted digitally as one PDF via email to:
subject line: Curator in Residence 2026
Deadline: September 28, 2025 midnight (GMT +2)
The application is classed as complete only when all accompanying documentation has arrived in time. Applicants will be notified until November 2025.
Contact:
Image credits: basis e.V., Gutleutstraße 8-12, photo: Günther Dächert, 2014 © basis e.V.
