Art Calls VisArts Emerging Curator Program 2026
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: January 9, 2026 – VisArts invites applications from emerging curators to work with an experienced mentoring curator to develop and present an exhibition at VisArts in the Kaplan Gallery in the fall of 2026.
The VisArts Emerging Curator Program offers a unique opportunity for an emerging curator or artist with an interest in exhibition-making or curating to work with an experienced mentoring curator to develop and present an exhibition and to assist in the presentation of the mentor’s exhibition. To develop expanded education programming and enhanced visitor experiences, the 2026 Emerging Curator and the 2026 Mentoring Curator will also focus on developing tools to support public programming that promotes social interaction, creative exchange, and audience engagement.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to artists worldwide. International applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. VisArts is unable to provide or assist with visas.
BENEFITS
VisArts will provide the Emerging Curator with a $10,000 budget to cover exhibition costs and curatorial fees. Additional staff support for printing, promotions, and execution of exhibition programming is available. The program is one year and will begin in January 2026.
Curatorial Collaboration
During the yearlong program, the curatorial team (mentoring curator and emerging curator) will:
- Conduct curatorial research
- Develop a cohesive and compelling exhibition proposal
- Develop writing skills for catalogs and other printed and online materials
- Develop budgets for executing exhibitions and exhibition programming
- Communicate with artists and lending institutions, developing contracts and loan information
- Design and implement educational exhibition programming and outreach activities that engage artists, curators, and public audience of all ages
- Develop sponsorship/fundraising initiatives to support the exhibition programming (if needed)
- Oversee exhibition design and installation
- Develop marketing and public relations materials in support of the exhibition, such as press releases, website + social media content, and print media
The VisArts Emerging Curator Program provides emerging curators with practical, hands-on experience at a community arts organization. It’s designed to support diverse exhibitions presenting a broad spectrum of ideas and curatorial approaches. In addition, it enhances the VisArts exhibition experience by developing educational opportunities, public programming, and opportunities for community engagement through expanded use of interactive interpretive media.
APPLY ONLINE – No Fee
Applicants don’t need to have a fully realized curatorial proposal, but we’re interested in getting a sense of your interests, tastes, and sensibilities. The formal proposal will be developed with the support and guidance of the 2026 Mentoring Curator and the Galleries Department.
DATES
- Application deadline: January 9, 2026
- Finalists notified: January 16, 2026
- Finalist interviews: January 20-21, 2026
- Emerging Curator notified: January 23, 2026
- Program: January 2026 – January 2027 (detailed schedule TBD)
- Emerging Curator exhibition: November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Mentoring Curator exhibition: July 31 – October 26, 2026
About:
VisArts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to transform individuals and communities through the visual arts. A hub for artistic exploration and social impact since 1987, VisArts brings people together through shared creative experiences, including:
- Critically acclaimed contemporary art exhibitions, programs, and events
- Studio Artist and Emerging Curator programs
- VisAbility Art Lab and Accessible Arts classes for artists with disabilities
- Community art workshops
- Art and wellness programs
- Volunteer and internship opportunities
These inspire new ideas, encourage self-expression, embrace diverse perspectives, and celebrate the visual arts as fundamental to a connected community. VisArts is an active and important presence in the greater metropolitan arts community. We’re in the heart of Rockville Town Square, a thriving gathering place for the neighborhood and surrounding cities.
VisArts at Rockville
155 Gibbs Street
Rockville, MD 20850
t: 301-315-8200
