Organizer Information
The DASH x Wysing Disabled Curator Opportunity is a prestigious collaboration between DASH, a leading disabled-led visual arts charity, and the Wysing Arts Centre, an established research-driven contemporary arts organization. DASH is dedicated to dismantling barriers in the arts sector and fostering a society where disability art is equally valued and integrated into the mainstream. Wysing Arts Centre, located in a rural setting near Cambridge, provides a supportive environment for artistic experimentation and residency. Together, through the Future Curators Programme, they aim to transform the visual arts landscape by placing Disabled, Deaf, and Neurodivergent professionals in positions of influence and leadership.
Title & Description
Associate Curator (Home-Based Future Curator)
This opportunity is a unique 12-month curatorial residency designed for a curator who primarily works from home or for whom home-based working is an essential requirement. The role centers on the concept of the "home" as a material and imaginative site for research, questioning how access, intimacy, and autonomy shape creative labor. The selected curator will co-develop digital/online spaces for both organizations, creating accessible environments for storytelling, experimentation, and international exchange. The theme revolves around Disability Justice, exploring how remote and digital practices can redefine curatorial work beyond traditional gallery walls.
Categories
Curatorial Practice, Visual Arts, Digital Media, Disability Arts, Research, Social Practice.
Eligibility
This call is specifically open to Disabled, Deaf, and Neurodivergent curators based in the UK. It is designed for emerging or mid-career practitioners who require a flexible, home-based structure. DASH and Wysing utilize the Social Model of Disability, focusing on removing societal barriers. Applicants should have a strong interest in contemporary art and a passion for advocating for inclusive practices within the cultural sector.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Curator Fee: A fixed fee of £15,000 for the 12-month duration.
- Access Support: Comprehensive support, including access riders, digital assistance, and flexible scheduling tailored to the individual's needs.
- Mentorship: Dedicated curatorial mentorship and professional development through the Future Curators Programme network.
- Residency: The option of a short-term in-person residency at the Wysing Arts Centre.
- Networking: Opportunities for international collaboration and exchange with artists and collectives.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A CV: Provided in any format (written, audio, or video).
- Expression of Interest: Answers to three specific questions:
- Why are you applying for this home-based curator role?
- How does your lived experience or practice make you suitable?
- What are your interests regarding digital or home-based curation?
- Format Options: Responses can be a written text (max 1000 words), a film (max 7 minutes), or an audio recording (max 7 minutes).
How to Apply?
Applications should be submitted via the DASH website or directed through the specific recruitment portal link below.
Application Link: Dash Arts Opportunity Page
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 January 2026
- Interview Period: Expected in early February 2026
- Start Date: Spring 2026
- Duration: 12 months
Location
Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge, UK
Additional Details
This role is part of a larger consortium involving seven major UK arts organizations, including the John Hansard Gallery and MIMA. It is funded by Arts Council England and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. The project emphasizes "psychological safe spaces" and "neuroaffirming" environments, ensuring that the curator can lead and question the sector with full support.