Organizer Information
The Chicago Curatorial Seminar 2026 is organized by Independent Curators International, a globally recognized non-profit dedicated to supporting curators and strengthening curatorial practice through education, research, and professional development programs.
The initiative is supported by major philanthropic partners, including The Joyce Foundation and the Teiger Foundation, reflecting its commitment to expanding access to curatorial training for underrepresented communities. The program is designed specifically for early-career curators based in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, with a focus on BIPOC practitioners working outside of major institutional frameworks.
Title & Description
Chicago Curatorial Seminar 2026 for Emerging Curators
The Chicago Curatorial Seminar 2026 is an intensive, free Curatorial Seminar designed to support the professional development of emerging curators through structured learning, mentorship, and peer exchange.
Running from September 12 to December 19, 2026, the program selects 6–8 Chicago-based BIPOC curators with fewer than five years of professional experience. Over eight sessions, participants engage in discussion-based seminars, institutional site visits, and project development workshops led by ICI staff, guest curators, artists, and arts professionals.
Participants will:
- Take part in biweekly seminars focused on curatorial methodologies and contemporary practice
- Visit key cultural institutions such as Hyde Park Art Center, Wrightwood 659, and the National Museum of Mexican Art
- Develop and workshop a curatorial proposal with mentorship support
- Engage in peer-to-peer exchange and professional networking within Chicago’s arts ecosystem
The program emphasizes building sustainable curatorial practices that support overlooked artists and strengthen connections within local communities.
Categories
- Curatorial
- Art Management
- Visual Arts
- Research
- Exhibition
- Seminar
- Mentorship
- Networking
Eligibility
- Be BIPOC curators
- Currently based in the Chicago Metropolitan Area
- Have 5 years of curatorial experience or less
- Not be enrolled in an academic program during the seminar period
- Demonstrate emerging curatorial practice and interest in independent or community-based work
This opportunity is strictly designed for early-career curators working in non-institutional or developing professional contexts.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Free participation in the 8-session Curatorial Seminar
- Direct mentorship from established curators and arts professionals
- Professional development workshops and project-based advisement
- Access to leading Chicago cultural institutions through curated site visits
- Peer networking within a cohort of emerging curators
- Exposure to curatorial models and institutional practices through ICI’s network
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- CV
- Description of a proposed curatorial project (max 250 words)
- Biography (max 250 words)
- Letter of intent (max 250 words)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 August 2026
- Program Dates: September 12 – December 19, 2026
- Notification Date: Not specified in source
Location
Chicago Metropolitan Area, United States
Additional Details
- The seminar consists of eight sessions held biweekly, primarily on Saturdays
- Site visits include major Chicago art institutions and alternative spaces
- The program is designed to strengthen independent curatorial practice outside of large institutional systems
- Applicants cannot be currently enrolled in academic study
- The cohort is intentionally small (6–8 participants) to ensure intensive mentorship and peer engagement