Organizer Information
The Art Exchange Moving Image Programme is a major international collaboration supported by the British Council. For the 2026 cycle, it is delivered by Breinstorm Brand Architects (a strategic design and storytelling firm) and IQOQO (a digital platform dedicated to connecting creative and cultural professionals across Africa). The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between African curatorial practices and international art collections, specifically focusing on the medium of the moving image.
Title & Description
Art Exchange: Moving Image Programme 2026 This is a year-long, cross-cultural professional development and exhibition program. It aims to strengthen the practices of curators who work with moving image (film, video art, digital media). The program offers a unique opportunity to work directly with the British Council Collection—an internationally recognized public art collection—to curate exhibitions that resonate with local audiences while fostering global dialogue. Selected participants will undergo a journey of mentorship, online skill-building, and an international residency, culminating in a physical exhibition in their home country.
Categories
- Primary Focus: Moving Image (Film, Video Art, Digital Media).
- Secondary Disciplines: Visual Arts Curating, Cross-disciplinary Programming, Exhibition Design.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Role: Early to mid-career visual arts curators (including exhibition-makers, producers, and programmers). Note: This call is not open to practicing artists.
- Location: Must be based in one of the following countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe.
- Age: 18 years or older.
- Documentation: Must hold a valid passport (valid until at least November 30, 2026) and be eligible for a UK visa.
- Language: Proficiency in English is required.
- Status: Not currently enrolled in full-time or part-time formal education.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Residency: A fully funded one-week research trip to the United Kingdom (provisional dates: May 15–25, 2026).
- Grant: Financial and logistical support (grant) to deliver a final exhibition and public program in the curator's home country.
- Mentorship: Bespoke one-on-one mentoring and professional development workshops led by industry leaders.
- Collection Access: Exclusive access to moving image works within the British Council Art Collection.
- Networking: Opportunity to join a cohort of six peer curators from across Sub-Saharan Africa and build connections with UK-based institutions and artists.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents in English:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Outlining relevant curatorial experience.
- Curatorial Proposal: A maximum 2-page document outlining your interests, your approach to the moving image, and an initial concept for an exhibition.
- Letter of Support: A signed letter from a proposed exhibition host venue in your home country confirming their willingness to host your final project.
- Online Form Responses: Answers to specific questions regarding professional development goals (approx. 350 words per answer).
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 18 January 2026
- Notification of Selection: First week of February 2026
- Monthly Online Sessions: February 2026 – March 2027
- UK Research Residency: May 15 – 25, 2026 (Provisional)
- Exhibition Period: Between late 2026 and March 2027
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The program is committed to inclusivity and strongly encourages applications from D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent curators. Dedicated access support is available for both the application process and the residency. The selection panel will prioritize the quality of the curatorial concept and its potential impact on the applicant’s local artistic community over writing style or production quality.