Call for Exhibition Proposals 2027-2028 by The Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO
Project kick-off : 23 April 2026
Deadline: 31 December 2025
Curator honorarium: 18 900 €
Exhibition production : 30 000 €
About the Museum
Based in Chatou, near Paris, in a 19th century mansion on the banks of the Seine facing the island of the Impressionists, the Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO (MACS MTO) is the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to the principles and artistic expressions of Sufism.
Rather than explore the rich contributions of Sufism through a historical lens, MACS MTO positions the discipline within the ecosystem of contemporary art and culture. With this key methodology, each exhibition program explores the collection of Sufi art and cultural objects in a dialogue with the works of contemporary artists. Dating from the Achaemenid period to the present, the museum’s collection comprises sculptures and site-specific installation, ceramics and earthenware, tapestries and textiles, calligraphy works and manuscripts, historic artifacts, and everyday objects. Beyond the expected arts and cultural community (professionals and enthusiasts alike), cultural programming at MACS MTO opens to a broader audience by emphasizing multidisciplinarity, calling not only on the visual arts, but also the arts broadly (performance, music, poetry, literature, cinema, etc.) and sciences, embracing diverse philosophies and schools of thought. Workshops and events are also tailored for the neighboring Chatou community (mostly seniors and families with young children).
Opened to the public in September 2024, MACS MTO is a twenty-minute train ride (RER) from the center of Paris. The museum campus now comprises 450 square-meters of exhibition space across three stories, a Sufi garden, and a dedicated garden-level space for programming and events. In addition to ticketing and the museum’s public gift shop, the museum’s adjacent pavilion encompasses both the working office space for MACS MTO’s staff and an archival research library accessible by appointment for academics and researchers.
Proposal Objective
MACS MTO is seeking a curator for the development of its forthcoming exhibition (estimated to open in September 2027 and to run until Summer 2028), as well as its accompanying catalogue, programming and promotion. The project in its entirety will be carried out in collaboration with the MACS MTO team, including a key person in charge of overseeing the alignment of the project with the museum’s scientific and cultural project.
The prospective curator is invited to organize an exhibition based upon a unifying theme drawn from Sufi concepts, practices, and/or principles, positioning the MACS MTO collection in conversation with the works of contemporary artists.
The museum is especially interested in artists and lines of inquiry of all backgrounds. The objective of the exhibition program is not to exclusively showcase Sufi, Muslim, or artists from Muslim majority nations. A central premise of MACS MTO’s artistic vision is that Sufism speaks to universal questions that resonate across geographies, histories, and artistic practices. An exhibition composed primarily through cultural affiliations potentially narrows the scope of inquiry.
In our early years of programming, we are especially interested in exhibitions that engage with Sufism on its own terms—its practices, concepts, and spiritual dimensions—rather than those that frame it primarily through political or socio-historical narratives. We recognize that many artistic practices carry political dimensions, however, the primary emphasis should remain on the insights that emerge through direct and thoughtful dialogue with Sufi thought.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is an experienced curator capable of designing innovative exhibitions aligned with the museum’s scientific and cultural vision. They possess strong writing and research skills, a good understanding of Sufi principles, and proven experience in curating contemporary art in France and internationally. They are skilled at engaging diverse audiences, managing complex projects within timelines and budgets, and collaborating effectively within an agile team.
Provisional budget
Curator honorarium: 18 900 €
Exhibition production : 30 000 €
Provisional Project Schedule and project milestones
Phase 1 – Conception and Definition (late April to late August 2026)
Development of the curatorial project, selection of the exhibition’s theme and title, preparation of files (exhibition, artists, artworks, loans, experts, catalogue), and definition of the conceptual and budgetary framework.
Phase 2 – Development (September to mid-December 2026)
Finalization of contracts, the curatorial statement, exhibition layout, scenography file, and catalogue framework, along with preparation of related programming.
Phase 3 – Production (January to June 2027)
Writing and validation of final contents (exhibition texts, catalogue, mediation, communication) and contracting with contributors, ensuring necessary translations.
Phase 4 – Installation (July–August 2027)
Supervision of installation, verification of scenographic compliance, and joint handover of the exhibition with MACS MTO before public opening.
Phase 5 – Exhibition
Regular monitoring of the exhibition’s lifecycle, participation in programs and press events, and support for the artists throughout the exhibition period.
Phase 6 – De-install
Supervision of dismantling and drafting of the closing report including the curatorial assessment and recommendations for potential reactivations or touring.
Calendar
#1 Pre-selection (October 30th – December 15th)
Candidates are invited to share their CV and portfolio to expositions@macsmto.fr.
Expected portfolio:
- Documentation of three exhibitions from their portfolio exemplary of their broader curatorial practice, including images, exhibition statements, and/or press releases.
- 1-2 published essays, articles, or reviews (hyperlinks are acceptable)
- Documentation of three programs the candidate organized and/or participated in (hyperlinks are acceptable; event recordings are welcome)
Candidates that appear to be a good fit for this project are contacted for an initial interview and visit at the museum. After this step, pre-selected candidates will be invited to submit a project proposal.
#2 Proposal submission (February 20th)
The submitted proposal must include:
- A project presentation based on the theme “Sublime Love” (500–700 words)
- An initial selection of key objects envisioned for the exhibition
- A presentation of the contemporary artists, their artistic practice, and how their work connects to the exhibition theme
- An explanation of how the exhibition will engage different audiences (families, seniors, schools, etc.)
- A brief summary of known commitments (residencies, institutional roles, etc) through 2028, if applicable
#3 Jury (from February 23 to March 6th)
Selected candidates will be invited to present their proposal in a live Zoom interview. Candidates may be asked to respond to additional questions via email or in a follow-up conversation.
#4 Notification of decision, contractualization and project kick-off
Notification of Decision : 20 March 2026
Contractualization : March 23 to April 20
Project kick-off : April 23 2026
Image credits: Flint Culture
