Emerging Curator Award
Emerging Curator Award 2028 at Backwater Artists Group
Organisation: Backwater Artists Group
Location: Cork, IE
Support: Curator’s fee and exhibition production budget (amounts not specified)
Duration: Four-week exhibition or project in 2028
Application deadline: 17 December 2026, 5 pm
About the Award
Backwater Artists Group invites applications from emerging curators and recent graduates for the Emerging Curator Award 2028.
The award offers an opportunity for an emerging curator to develop their curatorial practice and gain practical experience across all aspects of exhibition production.
The successful applicant will work with the Backwater Artists Group team to develop and deliver a members’ group exhibition or project for Studio 12, the organisation’s exhibition and project space, as part of its artistic programme for 2028.
The selected curator will receive a curator’s fee and a production budget to realise the proposed exhibition or project. A four-week exhibition or project slot will be available in 2028.
Eligibility
The open call is aimed at emerging curators and recent graduates interested in developing their curatorial practice and gaining experience in exhibition-making.
Project Proposal
Applicants are invited to propose an exhibition or project that demonstrates their curatorial approach and conceptual framework.
Proposals may include a shortlist of artists from the Backwater Artists Group website, although identifying artists at the application stage is not essential.
Selection and Project Development
- The successful applicant will be notified in early January 2027.
- The selected curator will undertake a series of studio visits with Backwater Artists Group members during February 2027, either in person or online.
- The final selection of participating artists will be made by 26 February 2027.
- The exhibition or project will be presented for four weeks during 2028.
Image: Courtesy of Backwater Artists Group.