Emerging Curator Program 2027 at VisArts in Rockville, US

Organisation: VisArts
Location: Rockville, Maryland, US
Funding: $10,000 budget covering exhibition costs and curatorial fees
Duration: One year, January 2027 – January 2028
Exhibition dates: 15 October 2027 – 9 January 2028
Application deadline: 18 December 2026, midnight

VisArts invites applications from emerging curators and artists interested in exhibition-making to participate in its Emerging Curator Program 2027. The year-long programme offers the opportunity to work with an experienced mentoring curator to develop and present an exhibition at VisArts’ Kaplan Gallery in Rockville, Maryland.

The programme provides practical, hands-on curatorial experience within a nonprofit community arts organisation, supporting diverse exhibitions that present a broad spectrum of ideas and curatorial approaches.

About the Programme

The selected Emerging Curator will work with Fabiola R. Delgado, the 2027 Mentoring Curator, to develop and present an exhibition while also assisting with the presentation of Delgado’s exhibition.

Delgado is an independent curator and creative producer based in Washington, DC. Originally from Venezuela, her practice spans exhibitions, scholarship, editorial projects and public programming, with a particular focus on socially engaged artistic and cultural experiences.

The programme encourages experimentation with exhibition-making, educational initiatives and audience engagement, exploring how exhibitions can foster social interaction, creative exchange and community participation.

What the Programme Offers

VisArts provides a $10,000 budget covering exhibition costs and curatorial fees, alongside additional staff support for printing, promotion and exhibition programming.

During the programme, the Emerging Curator will gain experience in:

• Conducting curatorial research and developing an exhibition proposal.
• Producing exhibition texts, catalogues and other publications.
• Developing exhibition budgets and managing production.
• Communicating with artists and lending institutions.
• Designing educational programmes and community outreach activities.
• Overseeing exhibition design and installation.
• Developing promotional materials and public engagement strategies.
• Supporting fundraising and sponsorship initiatives where needed.

The programme culminates in an exhibition at the Kaplan Gallery from 15 October 2027 to 9 January 2028.

Eligibility

The programme welcomes emerging curators and artists with an interest in curating and exhibition-making.

Applicants are not required to have a fully developed exhibition proposal. Instead, the selection process considers their curatorial interests, approaches to exhibition-making and ideas for audience and community engagement.

International applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States. VisArts cannot provide or assist with visas.

Selection and Timeline

The selection panel includes the VisArts Galleries Director & Curator, Artist Advisory Council and the 2027 Mentoring Curator.

Key dates include:

• Application deadline: 18 December 2026
• Finalists notified: 8 January 2027
• Finalist interviews: 13–15 January 2027
• Selected curator notified: 20 January 2027
• Programme: January 2027 – January 2028
• Emerging Curator exhibition: 15 October 2027 – 9 January 2028

The programme is designed to support the professional development of emerging curators while expanding opportunities for community engagement through contemporary art.

Application deadline: 18 December 2026, midnight.

Image: Courtesy of VisArts.