Art Exchange: Moving Image

Institution: British Council (delivered by Breinstorm Brand Architects and IQOQO)
Deadline: 18 January 2026
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa (with a research trip to the UK)

Art Exchange: Moving Image is a collaborative, cross-cultural curatorial development programme supporting early- to mid-career visual arts curators from Sub-Saharan Africa working with moving image. The programme focuses on strengthening curatorial confidence, fostering critical dialogue, expanding international networks, and supporting the development of moving image exhibitions in local contexts.

Supported by the British Council and delivered by Breinstorm Brand Architects and IQOQO, the year-long programme combines mentorship, professional development, international exchange, and curatorial experimentation across African and UK contexts. Up to six curators will be selected.

Programme Format

•  Cohort of 6 peer curators from across Sub-Saharan Africa
• Monthly online mentoring and professional development sessions (Feb 2026 – Mar 2027)
• Access to moving image works from the British Council Collection
• Fully funded research trip to the UK (provisional dates: 15–25 May 2026)
• Grant and logistical support to realise a final exhibition in the curator’s home country
• Support to deliver a public programme or workshop for local artistic communities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18+
• Be based in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe
• Be an early- or mid-career visual arts curator
• Not be enrolled in full- or part-time formal education
• Be proficient in English
• Have a demonstrated interest in moving image
• Not apply as an artist (artists are not eligible)
• Hold a valid passport until at least 30 November 2026
• Be available to travel to the UK in May 2026 and to apply for a UK visa (with support)

Curators may include exhibition-makers, producers, programmers, or practitioners working with the presentation of other artists’ work.

Early-Career Curators

Applicants should have:

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience
• Experience working with artists on commissions, productions, or exhibitions
• Experience supporting exhibitions, public programmes, or arts publications

Mid-Career Curators

Applicants should have at least one of:

• Professional experience as a visual arts curator
• Leadership of at least one high-profile exhibition with press coverage
• Research or critical study experience in visual arts practice

Programme Commitments

Selected participants must commit to:

• Monthly online sessions (Feb 2026 – Mar 2027)
• A one-week UK research trip (May 2026)
• Developing a detailed exhibition proposal post-residency
• Delivering an exhibition and public programme between late 2026 and March 2027
• Fulfilling British Council grant, monitoring, and evaluation requirements