Deadline: August 22, 2025
Program: Curator-in-Residence at Images Festival
Festival Theme: Metabolizing Moving Images
Residency Duration: October 2025 – May 2026
Festival Dates: April 2026 (exact dates TBC)
Honorarium: $4,000 CAD
In preparation for the 2026 edition, Images Festival is thrilled to invite applications for the Curator-in-Residence program. One curator will be selected from this process to join the 2026 residency. This selected curator will be invited to develop programming in response to the festival’s forthcoming theme, “Metabolizing Moving Images,” and will curate a minimum of two screenings by reviewing and selecting work submitted through the open call.
The selected Curator-in-Residence will receive a curatorial honorarium of $4,000 CAD, a separate programming budget, and comprehensive administrative and production support from the festival team—including hosting in-person screening sessions of festival submissions; artist contracting and payment; media quality control; venue coordination; communications and outreach support; editorial assistance; and more. The resident will be supported by the Residency and Submissions Coordinator and will have access to the Images Festival archive, office, and shared spaces at 401 Richmond.
Over the course of the residency, the curator will participate in collective submission screening sessions, attend regular meetings, and be present for their own curated programs during the festival. Each resident will develop and deliver at least two moving image programs, incorporating at least one open call submission per program, meeting all Canadian content requirements, and will write a programmatic essay for each program. Public, post-screening discussions featuring participating artists are expected, though alternative public engagement proposals are welcome, pending approval by the Programming Director. A final residency feedback form will be required after the festival concludes.
The 2026 residency will host up to three Curators-in-Residence working both independently and in dialogue with one another. While each curator may develop their own distinct programs, shared discussion, feedback, and mutual support across the cohort are encouraged. Residents must be available to attend in-person submission screening sessions (approx. 800 short films of varying lengths) and must be present in Toronto to participate during October and November. The residency runs from October 2025 to May 2026, inclusive.
The festival is scheduled for April 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
Application Requirements
Applicants should be mid-career to established curators or programmers with demonstrated experience in experimental moving image practices, a developed body of work, and a history of public programming.
1. Statement of Interest (500–750 words)
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Describe why you’re interested in the Curator-in-Residence program.
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Share how your curatorial approach aligns with Images Festival and how you might engage with the upcoming festival theme.
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Highlight what you hope to explore, learn, or contribute during the residency.
2. CV and Bio (4 pages max)
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Include relevant curatorial, artistic, academic, or community experience.
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Collaborative, experimental, or non-institutional practices are welcome.
3. Writing Sample and Past Work Sample
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One sample of curatorial writing relevant to experimental moving image practices.
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A portfolio or documentation of five (5) projects or programs that include moving image practices (include links if digital).
4. Access and Support Needs (Optional)
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Let us know if there are any accessibility needs or supports that would make your participation possible or more meaningful.
5. Contact Information
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Full name, pronouns (optional), email address, phone number, and location.
Deadline to apply: August 22, 2025
Please send applications to Submissions@imagesfestival.com with the subject line:
“Curator-in-Residence Application.”
Combine all documents into a single .pdf. Early applications are encouraged. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
