Organizer Information
Fundación Botín is one of Spain’s most respected private cultural foundations, established by Marcelino Botín Sanz de Sautuola and Carmen Yllera with the mission of fostering social development through education, science, and culture. For decades, the foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting artistic excellence, professional training, and international cultural exchange.
Through its long-standing scholarship programs, Fundación Botín has supported thousands of artists, researchers, curators, and cultural professionals, enabling them to pursue advanced studies and professional development both in Spain and internationally. The foundation is particularly renowned for its commitment to contemporary art,
curatorial research, and museum practice, positioning itself as a key institution in the European cultural ecosystem.
The Exhibition Curation and Museum Management
Scholarships reflect Fundación Botín’s strategic vision: to strengthen future generations of cultural professionals by offering them access to world-class training environments and institutional knowledge abroad.
Title & Description
Beca de Comisariado de Exposiciones y Gestión de Museos
The Fundación Botín Curatorial Scholarship is a highly specialized professional development opportunity designed for individuals seeking advanced training in exhibition curation and museum management. The program supports one full academic year of structured study or professional training at a recognized international institution chosen by the applicant.
Rather than a production-based residency, this opportunity focuses on institutional learning, curatorial methodologies, and strategic museum operations. Applicants are expected to design a personalized training plan aligned with their long-term professional goals, whether in curating contemporary art exhibitions, managing museum collections, or developing cultural programming within international institutions.
The
scholarship emphasizes intellectual rigor, critical curatorial thinking, and the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into institutional practice.
Categories
- Curatorial
- Art Management
- Visual Art
- Research & Professional Education
- Museum Studies
This opportunity is particularly relevant for curators, museum professionals, art historians, and cultural managers seeking advanced specialization.
Eligibility
- Must hold Spanish nationality, or have legally resided in Spain for a minimum of five consecutive years prior to application.
- Must be between 22 and 40 years of age at the time of application.
- Must hold a university degree or equivalent qualification in fields such as:
- Fine Arts
- Art History
- Humanities
- Philosophy and Aesthetics
- Literature
- Art Criticism
- Applicants without formal academic credentials may still apply if they can demonstrate substantial professional experience in curatorial or museum contexts.
- Applicants must secure written acceptance from the chosen host institution before the final deadline.
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency to complete the training program abroad.
This scholarship is not open to fully international applicants without Spanish nationality or long-term residency.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected candidates receive comprehensive
financial support, including:
- €18,000 to cover:
- Living expenses
- Accommodation
- Travel and mobility costs
- General subsistence during the training period
- Up to €12,000 additionally allocated to:
- Tuition fees
- Enrollment or institutional training costs
The scholarship supports one full academic year of training and cannot be divided, deferred, or combined with other scholarships for the same purpose.
Beyond financial support, awardees gain:
- Access to internationally recognized museums, universities, or curatorial programs
- Professional accreditation and specialization in curatorial and museum practice
- Expanded international professional networks
- Enhanced institutional credibility within the contemporary art field
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete online application including:
- Valid ID or documentation proving Spanish nationality or long-term residency
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic background and professional experience
- Copies of academic degrees and transcripts (if applicable)
- A personal statement explaining:
- Professional objectives
- Relevance of the proposed training
- Reasons for selecting the host institution
- Written acceptance letter from the chosen training center abroad
- Detailed information about the host institution, including:
- Program structure
- Duration
- Tuition fees
- Any additional documentation requested by Fundación Botín
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 April 2026
- Host Institution Acceptance Deadline: Before 11 May 2026
- Final Decision Announcement: Before 26 June 2026
- Scholarship Start Date: Must commence before the end of 2026
Location
Spain
Additional Details
- The scholarship prioritizes engagement with contemporary art contexts and current museum practices.
- Awardees must submit a final report documenting their training outcomes and professional development.
- Fundación Botín reserves the right to monitor progress during the scholarship period.
- Any publications or public outputs resulting from the scholarship must acknowledge Fundación Botín’s support.
