VisArts Emerging Curator Program 2027

Artdeadline; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 9,000 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

VisArts invites applications for the Emerging Curator Program 2027, a yearlong opportunity beginning January 2027 in the Kaplan Gallery. Emerging curators work with an experienced mentor to develop and present an exhibition, while expanding education programming and audience engagement through interactive media.

The program provides a $10,000 budget for exhibition costs and curatorial fees, with additional staff support for printing, promotions, and execution of programming.

Qualifications

• Open to emerging curators or artists with interest in exhibition-making.
• International applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; VisArts cannot assist with visas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct curatorial research and develop a cohesive exhibition proposal.
• Develop budgets and fundraising initiatives to support programming.
• Communicate with artists and lending institutions and manage contracts.
• Design educational programming and outreach to engage audiences of all ages.
• Oversee exhibition design, installation, and marketing materials.

Skills

Curatorial research

Exhibition planning

Budgeting

Artist coordination

Job description

Art Calls VisArts Emerging Curator Program 2027

International Deadline: December 18, 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 2027.

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 2027 Emerging Curator and the 2027 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 2027.

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

TheVisArts Emerging Curator Programprovides 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 2027 Mentoring Curator and the Galleries Department.

DATES

• Finalists notified:January 8, 2027
• Finalist interviews:January 13-15, 2027
• Emerging Curator notified: January 20, 2027
• Program:January 2027 – January 2028 (detailed schedule TBD)
• Emerging Curator exhibition:October 15, 2027 – January 9, 2028
• Mentoring Curator exhibition:August 27 – October 10, 2027

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 workshopsArt 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.