Organizer Information
SODAS 2123 is a leading contemporary art centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, dedicated to fostering experimental curatorial practice and supporting emerging curators. The organization provides educational programmes, exhibition opportunities, mentorship, and professional development for individuals entering the curatorial field. SODAS 2123 actively engages with the local and international contemporary art community, promoting dialogue between artists, curators, and audiences, and enabling participants to realise independent exhibition projects.
Title & Description
Emerging Curators Platform 2026 – Materials and Materiality
The Emerging Curators Platform (ECP) invites applications for its 2026 programme, “Materials and Materiality,” focusing on research, experimentation, and hands-on learning in contemporary
curatorial practice. Participants will explore the relationship between the materiality of artworks and exhibition content, considering how material serves as a carrier of meaning—politically, poetically, and historically.
Throughout the six-month programme, emerging curators will experiment with exhibition formats, develop a personally articulated
curatorial position, and gain practical experience in exhibition-making. The programme encourages dialogue with artists and cultural professionals and provides a platform to realise independent curatorial projects, culminating in public exhibitions hosted in the SODAS 2123 project space.
Categories
Eligibility
- Emerging curators interested in contemporary curatorial practice.
- Open to international applicants.
- Commitment to the full programme duration (April – September 2026).
- Applicants should have a strong interest in experimental exhibition formats and collaborative artistic engagement.
Program Benefits & Awards
- €500 honorarium for selected participants.
- Access to an Exhibition space within SODAS 2123.
- Production budget for independent exhibitions.
- Individual consultations with programme organisers, artists, and curators.
- Technical support and assistance with communication and visibility for exhibitions.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities with local and international art professionals.
- Opportunity to participate in public workshops, discussions, and field visits.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Flexible curatorial project proposal aligned with the theme “Materials and Materiality.”
- Personal statement outlining curatorial interests and motivations.
- Portfolio or examples of previous curatorial or relevant creative work.
- Submission via the official online application portal.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 16 February 2026
- Selection Notification: 25 February 2026
- Programme Duration: April – September 2026
Location
Vilnius, Lithuania
Additional Details
- The programme includes field trips to artists’ studios and cultural institutions, open public discussions, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Participants will engage in hands-on curatorial practice, fostering professional and creative growth.
- The programme encourages experimentation, collaborative learning, and the development of independent curatorial strategies.
- SODAS 2123 activities are funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture and the Vilnius City Municipality.
