Curatorial Fellowship

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Institution: Residence NRW⁺
Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Programme Duration: 6-month residency fellowship
Stipend: €1,500 per month + €500 travel allowance
Deadline: 5 July 2026

Residence NRW⁺ is a residency and fellowship programme supporting visual artists and curators connected to North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), as well as curators from Switzerland. Built around four core pillars—dialogue, practice, mentoring, and networks—the programme provides a supportive environment for the development of contemporary artistic and curatorial practices.

Each year, four curators are awarded six-month fellowships that combine financial support, free accommodation and workspace, professional mentoring, and opportunities for collaboration with artists and cultural institutions throughout North Rhine-Westphalia.

The programme places a strong emphasis on exchange and collective learning. Curators share living and working facilities with resident artists, creating an environment that encourages dialogue, experimentation, and long-term professional relationships. Fellows are expected to spend the majority of the residency period at the programme location and participate in workshops, excursions, openings, and other collective activities.

A distinctive aspect of Residence NRW⁺ is its ongoing mentoring structure. Fellows receive guidance from experienced professionals in the contemporary visual arts sector, including support with exhibition development, applications, institutional collaborations, and professional networking. Mentoring can continue beyond the official fellowship period.

Fellowship Format

Six-month residency fellowship for curators.
Four fellowships awarded annually.
Free accommodation and workspace provided.
Monthly stipend of €1,500.
Additional travel allowance of €500.
Professional mentoring throughout the programme.
Participation in workshops, excursions, studio visits, and networking activities.
Collaboration with artists and institutions across North Rhine-Westphalia.

Eligibility Criteria

Curators with ties to North Rhine-Westphalia or Switzerland.
Demonstrated engagement with contemporary art and curatorial practice.
Evidence of independently developed curatorial projects.
For NRW applicants: a university degree in art history, visual arts, cultural studies, or a related field.
For NRW applicants: studies completed within the last five years or applicants must be no older than 35 at the start of the fellowship.
For Swiss applicants: no age limit applies, but training or first public curatorial presentation must have taken place within the last five years.
Commitment to residing predominantly at the residency during the fellowship period.

Curatorial Responsibilities

Develop project concepts in collaboration with a fellow curator.
Select participating artists and project contributors.
Manage project budgets and production planning.
Produce curatorial and interpretive texts.
Coordinate communications, public relations, and audience engagement.
Organise transport, insurance, installation, and de-installation.
Coordinate accompanying events and public programmes.
Prepare project documentation and reporting materials.

Additional Support for Swiss Fellows

Curators from Switzerland with childcare responsibilities may apply to Pro Helvetia for additional support of up to CHF 1,000 per month.
Support may contribute to childcare costs or travel expenses for children and caregivers.