Organizer Information
The in-tangible institute is a Chiang Mai-based not-for-profit curatorial laboratory and educational platform founded by acclaimed curator Zoe Butt. It serves as a vital hub for nurturing curatorial talent across Southeast Asia and the broader "Globalizing Souths." The institute specializes in providing curatorial mentorship, strategic advice, and educational programming to build sustainable art ecologies. By connecting local artistic realities with international networks, in-tangible institute fosters internationally competent practices that remain deeply rooted in their specific social and historical contexts.
Title & Description
CULTIVATE Module 3 – Leadership
CULTIVATE is a recurring professional development program for curators and arts managers. The third module, titled "Leadership," focuses on how to design, direct, and sustain holistic structures of support in the arts. In a global landscape marked by political instrumentalization and the corporatization of art, this module addresses how leaders can guide creative communities toward growth with innovative honesty and ethical resilience. Participants will use their own current projects or institutional roles as case studies for faculty consultation, moving beyond traditional lectures into an "address-based" format where faculty provide direct feedback on the participants' real-world leadership dilemmas.
Categories
- Curatorial Studies
- Arts Management & Leadership
- Cultural Production
- Institutional Scenography
- Community Engagement
Eligibility
The program is open to International applicants specifically within the following regions:
- Citizens or Permanent Residents of: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Taiwan.
- Professional Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in leading organizations or specific artistic/curatorial projects.
- Requirements: Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) and a strong desire to be mentored.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Expert Mentorship: 2:1 ratio (Each faculty member mentors only two participants), providing intimate, high-level strategic advice.
- Skills Acquisition: Training in audience expansion, industry negotiation, and navigating cross-border programming.
- Regional Networking: Access to a lifelong network of leading facilitators from institutions like Art Basel Asia, Triangle Network, and MoMA PS1.
- Scholarships: Two tuition-only scholarships are available for Thai nationals.
- Professional Development: Faculty consultation on live case studies, directly benefiting the participant’s home organization.
Application Fee
- Program Fee: 37,000 THB (approx. $1,000 USD) per participant.
- Details: This is a not-for-profit fee that goes directly to program running costs. Travel and accommodation for the in-person intensive are not included.
Application Requirements
- Statement of Query: (Max 500 words) sharing questions/dilemmas currently faced in leadership.
- Context Statement: (Max 500 words) background of your current organization or project.
- Resume/CV: (Max 2 pages).
- Portfolio: (Max 10 pages) documentation of no more than four previous projects.
- Thai ID: Only if applying for the Thai scholarship.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
- Notification Date: 1 March 2026
- Online Mentorship Period: 1 July – 30 September 2026
- In-Person Intensive (Bangkok): 21–23 August 2026
Location
Hybrid. Online sessions occur virtually; the 3-day in-person intensive is hosted by the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Additional Details
Module 3 is unique because it marks the first time CULTIVATE has expanded its eligibility to include South Asia and Taiwan. The program is specifically designed for "time-poor" leaders, ensuring that the time spent in the program translates directly into actionable solutions for their existing workplace or independent practice.