Organizer Information:

Department of Visual Arts at Western University. The department offers programs in Art History, Museum and Curatorial Studies, and Studio Art, and features facilities such as the artLAB Gallery and the Centre for Sustainable Curating.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the Curator-in-Residence in Social and Environmental Justice in the Arts.

This is a one-year (9-month term) residency for a curator to pursue projects related to social and environmental justice. The selected curator will integrate into the university community, offering mentorship to students and organizing public programming.

Category:

Curatorial Practice.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to emerging and established curators.
  • In-Person Attendance: This is primarily an in-person role, not virtual. The curator MUST be physically present on campus at least one day per week (and sometimes more frequently for events).
  • Mentorship & Office Hours: The curator MUST hold three hours of weekly office hours on campus to meet with students, staff, faculty, or community members.
  • Programming Duties: The curator must organize and lead at least two public events per semester (e.g., talks, workshops, studio visits) and visit university classes upon invitation.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Stipend: A total stipend of $50,000 (paid in installments throughout the residency term). (Note: Employment benefits are not included).
  • Duration: Mid-August 2026 to Mid-May 2027.
  • Network & Facilities: Access to university studio facilities, galleries, and a lively local arts scene involving collaborations with nearby museums and galleries.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Travel & Housing: These costs are meant to be covered by the $50,000 stipend.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Format: All required documents MUST be merged into a single PDF file.
  • Required Documents:
    1. Curriculum Vitae (including contact information).
    2. Cover letter featuring a short curator statement.
    3. Project proposal (Maximum 500 words).
    4. Community engagement proposal (Maximum 250 words).
    5. A writing sample (from a curatorial, academic, or related project).
    6. Contact information for two professional references.

How to Apply?

Email your single-file PDF submission package directly to cir@uwo.ca.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: June 1, 2026.
  • Residency Term: Mid-August 2026 to Mid-May 2027.

Location:

Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.

Contact Information:

Submissions & Inquiries Email: cir@uwo.ca

Website: https://uwo.ca/visarts/ourresearch/CiR.html