Institution: Art Fund, in partnership with Frieze and the National Gallery
Location:London, United Kingdom
Programme Dates: 15–16 October 2026
Programme Type: Fully Funded Professional Development Programme
Funding: Travel, accommodation, refreshments, and programme access provided
Application Deadline: 14 June 2026 (midnight)
Art Fund, in partnership with Frieze and the National Gallery, is offering 10 fully funded places for UK curators and up to 8 fully funded places for international curators to participate in a two-day professional development programme during Frieze Masters 2026.
The programme brings together emerging and mid-career museum and gallery professionals to explore curatorial practice, exhibition-making, collection development, research, and the relationship between public institutions and the art market.
About the Programme
Led by Dr Jennifer Sliwka, Director of the Picture Gallery at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, the programme combines seminars, workshops, exhibition visits, tours, and networking opportunities with leading professionals from across the museum and gallery sector.
Participants will gain behind-the-scenes access to the National Gallery and Frieze Masters while engaging in discussions around contemporary curatorial practice and institutional collaboration.
Programme Highlights
- Online pre-programme seminar and virtual networking session
- Introduction to the National Gallery and meetings with curatorial and research staff
- Visits to current National Gallery exhibitions
- Behind-the-scenes tours of National Gallery departments
- Keynote conversation and roundtable discussion
- Curators’ workshop
- Guided tours of Frieze Masters
- Invitation to alumni networking events
- Invitation to the National Gallery’s “Unexpected View” event
- Access to both Frieze London and Frieze Masters
- Networking opportunities with galleries, art advisors, and industry professionals
Funding
- 10 funded bursary places for UK museum and gallery professionals
- Up to 8 funded bursary places for international museum and gallery professionals
- Two nights of accommodation provided
- Travel support provided
- £25 daily per diem reimbursement
- Breakfast and lunch provided throughout the programme
Eligibility
- Open to UK and international museum and gallery curatorial professionals
- Applicants must work with collections that are accessible to the public
- Open to professionals from a wide range of curatorial backgrounds and career stages
- Applications from underrepresented groups within the sector are strongly encouraged
About the Opportunity
The programme aims to support the next generation of national and international curators by facilitating professional exchange, peer learning, and access to leading institutions and art world networks.
Through discussions on collection care, exhibition development, commercial practices, loans, partnerships, and research, participants will gain insight into multiple models of contemporary curatorial work.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 14 June 2026 (midnight)
- Notification of results: Within four weeks of the deadline
- Programme dates: 15–16 October 2026
