Organizer Information
The Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art (PMC) is a leading research institute and educational charity dedicated to the study of British art and architecture. Based in London, the Centre plays a significant role in advancing scholarly research, publishing, and public programming, while also maintaining extensive archives and a specialized library that supports curators, academics, and independent researchers.
The residency is developed in partnership with the Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation, an institution committed to preserving, developing, and promoting its collection with a strong focus on Scottish art and creativity. The Foundation actively supports research, exhibitions, and initiatives that enhance public engagement with Scottish visual culture. Together, these two organizations provide a robust platform combining academic rigor with curatorial practice.
Title & Description
Paul Mellon Centre × Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation: Curatorial Research Residency
The Curatorial Research Residency (2026–27) is a funded, research-driven opportunity designed for early-career curators and researchers with a focus on Scottish art. The residency supports the development of original curatorial research based on artworks from the Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation’s collection.
The selected resident will conduct in-depth research using both the Foundation’s holdings and the PMC’s Archives & Library. The program emphasizes critical inquiry, encouraging participants to explore new interpretative frameworks and situate Scottish art within broader British and international contexts.
A key outcome of the residency is the development of a curatorial proposal for a public display at the PMC. If approved, the resident will collaborate with the institution to realize the exhibition, including participation in the installation process scheduled for early 2027. The residency is flexible in structure, allowing the participant to distribute approximately 15–18 working days across the program period according to their research methodology.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Art History
- Visual Arts
- Research-Based Practice
- Museum & Exhibition Studies
Eligibility
- Open to UK-based applicants only
- Early-career researchers and curators
- Applicants from academic, museum, or independent curatorial backgrounds
- Demonstrated interest in Scottish art is required
- Candidates should show a commitment to research and curatorial development
Program Benefits & Awards
- Curatorial Research Fee: £4,000
- Research Expenses: Up to £2,000 (to support materials, travel, or related costs)
- Access to the PMC’s Archives & Library
- Direct engagement with the Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation collection
- Professional academic and curatorial mentorship from both institutions
- Opportunity to develop and potentially realize a public exhibition display
- Institutional visibility within a respected UK art research network
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Portfolio or examples of relevant curatorial/research work
- Research proposal or statement of interest
- Personal details and contact information
- Evidence of experience or engagement with Scottish art
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 April 2026
- Interview Period: Week commencing 11 May 2026 (online)
- Residency Start Date: Monday, 1 June 2026
- Exhibition Installation (if approved): Early January 2027
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
This residency is explicitly structured as a developmental opportunity, aiming to strengthen early-career trajectories in curatorial research. It places equal emphasis on scholarly depth and public-facing interpretation, making it particularly relevant for practitioners interested in bridging academic research with exhibition-making.
The program encourages innovative and critical approaches to Scottish art, especially those that reconsider its place within transnational narratives. The relatively short but flexible working period allows participants to integrate the residency alongside other professional commitments.
Successful applicants will benefit from close collaboration with institutional experts, gaining insight into both archival research methodologies and curatorial production processes.