Curators-in-Residence Program 2027

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Organisation: Miami International Fine Arts
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Residency period: January–December 2027
Time commitment: Approximately 8–12 hours per month, increasing around installations, openings and public programmes
Number of places: Up to five
Application deadline: 13 September 2026 at 11:59 pm ET
Languages: Professional proficiency in English or Spanish required
Working arrangement: Essential activities require in-person attendance

About the Programme

Miami International Fine Arts invites curators, art researchers, writers, cultural producers and creative professionals with curatorial experience to apply for its 2027 Curators-in-Residence Program.

The programme seeks to strengthen emerging curatorial voices, support the professional development of artists and build a rigorous and diverse exhibition programme connected to the cultural context of South Florida.

Up to five selected curators will collaborate with MIFA’s Artistic Director to evaluate exhibition proposals, mentor participating artists and develop exhibitions across the institution.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Strengthen the practices of emerging and mid-career curators.
Create opportunities for independent curatorial research.
Support artists in developing and publicly presenting their work.
Promote dialogue among artists, curators, researchers, educators and communities.
Develop a diverse and critically engaged exhibition programme at MIFA throughout 2027.

Exhibition Project Selection

Curators-in-Residence will participate in reviewing applications submitted through MIFA’s 2027 Open Call for Exhibition Projects.

They will:

Evaluate proposals using a shared assessment framework.
Participate in committee deliberations and interviews with shortlisted artists and collectives.
Identify projects relevant to MIFA’s galleries, audiences and research interests.
Provide clear and well-supported curatorial assessments.
Collaborate with the Artistic Director on the final selection of exhibition projects.

Exhibition Development

Each participant will curate or support one or more exhibitions during 2027, depending on the exhibition schedule and the requirements of individual projects.

Responsibilities include:

Conducting studio visits and follow-up meetings with artists.
Reviewing portfolios, artist statements, artwork lists and research materials.
Developing the exhibition narrative and final selection of works in collaboration with the artist.
Creating the curatorial framework and proposed gallery layout.
Writing curatorial essays, wall texts, labels and interpretive materials.
Coordinating installation, lighting, signage and exhibition presentation with MIFA’s team.
Attending installations, opening receptions and principal public activities.
Participating in interviews, tours, public conversations and promotional content.
Ensuring that exhibitions meet MIFA’s curatorial and presentation standards.

Institutional Participation

Selected curators will:

Attend curatorial and programming meetings.
Participate in studio visits, conversations with resident artists and other professional activities.
Maintain clear communication with artists, the Artistic Director and operations team.
Meet deadlines for texts, artwork lists, floor plans, promotional materials and documentation.
Represent the programme publicly with professionalism and integrity.

Applicant Profile

The open call is intended for professionals working in curatorial practice, art research, criticism, cultural management or interdisciplinary practices connected to contemporary visual art.

Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating:

A clearly defined curatorial vision and the ability to develop critical arguments.
Knowledge of contemporary art and current artistic discourse.
Experience working directly with artists.
Strong writing, editing and public communication skills.
Experience organising exhibitions, cultural projects or public programmes.
An interest in cultural diversity, experimentation and interdisciplinary practices.
The ability to collaborate within a self-managed artistic environment.
Knowledge of the artistic contexts of Miami, the Caribbean, Latin America or their diasporas.

A degree in curatorial studies is not required. Both academically trained and independently developed curatorial practices will be considered.

Fluency in both English and Spanish is valued but not required. Applicants must be able to communicate professionally in at least one of these languages.

Availability and Commitment

The residency runs for 12 months, from January through December 2027. Selected participants must also attend orientation and exhibition-selection activities beginning in October 2026.

The expected commitment is approximately 8–12 hours per month, although this may increase during installation periods, opening receptions and public programmes.

In-person attendance is required for essential meetings, installations, openings and activities connected to assigned projects. Applicants living outside Miami are responsible for their transportation, accommodation and travel costs.

Application Materials

Applications must include:

Contact details and relevant professional links.
A curriculum vitae of no more than three pages.
A letter of intent of no more than 700 words outlining the applicant’s curatorial approach, interest in the programme, potential contribution to MIFA and proposed area of research.
A curatorial portfolio of up to 15 pages featuring no more than five previous projects.
One curatorial, critical or research-based writing sample of no more than 1,500 words.
A research proposal of no more than 500 words outlining a potential topic to be developed at MIFA.
Confirmation of availability during October and November 2026 and throughout the 2027 residency.
A declaration of potential conflicts of interest involving artists, collectives, galleries or organisations that may apply to MIFA’s exhibition open call.

All materials must be combined into a single PDF. Links to audiovisual or digital work may be included.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to:

Curatorial vision and critical thinking: 25%
Experience and quality of previous projects: 20%
Writing and communication: 15%
Ability to support artists: 15%
Alignment with MIFA’s mission: 15%
Organisation and availability: 10%

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual or in-person interview with MIFA’s Artistic Director and representatives.

About MIFA

Miami International Fine Arts is a multidisciplinary platform for contemporary art, education and exhibition-making located between Doral and Miami Springs.

Its programme brings together artist residencies, exhibitions, printmaking, workshops, performing arts, music, poetry and community-based projects. MIFA promotes an accessible and interdisciplinary artistic practice connected to South Florida’s diverse communities.