Organizer Information
The Gardiner Museum in Toronto is one of the world's few museums dedicated solely to ceramics. It stewards a renowned permanent collection ranging from Ancient American pottery to contemporary ceramic art. The museum is a hub for hands-on learning, research, and cultural conversation, aiming to connect people through clay. This residency is made possible through the support of the Rebanks Family.
Title & Description
Gardiner Museum Curatorial Residency 2026
This annual program provides a paid opportunity for an aspiring or emerging curator to conceive, research, and produce a small-scale exhibition at the Gardiner Museum. The residency aims to promote new approaches to ceramic scholarship and encourages innovative research on the museum’s permanent collection. The project consists of two phases: an international travel research component followed by a period of full-time work on-site at the museum to realize the exhibition.
Categories
Curatorial Studies, Art History, Museum Studies, Ceramics, Research, and Exhibition Design.
Eligibility
Open to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
- Applicants must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s or Doctoral program in Museum Studies, Curatorial Studies, or Art History.
- Independent or community-based curators at the early stages of their careers are also eligible.
- Applicants may live outside of Canada but must be eligible to work in Canada.
- Specific experience with ceramics is not mandatory, but a demonstrated commitment to visual arts and exhibition contexts is required.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Total Residency Budget: $45,000 CAD.
- Curatorial Stipend: $25,000 CAD (covering living expenses, salary, and research costs during the residency).
- Exhibition Budget: $20,000 CAD (managed by the Museum for production, loan fees, and installation).
- Travel Support: The museum recommends allocating approximately $7,000 of the stipend for research travel outside of Canada.
- Professional Experience: Mentorship and collaboration within a professional museum environment.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover Letter: (1 page) detailing background and career objectives.
- CV: (Up to 4 pages).
- Exhibition Proposal: Concept and research plan including travel description (max 2,000 words).
- Work Schedule: (1 page).
- General Budget: (1 page).
- Signed Agreement to Propose and Consent Form: (Found in the application package).
How to Apply?
Applicants should download the full application from. Submissions should be sent via email to curatorial@gardinermuseum.com.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 February 2026
- Notification Date: Early March 2026
- Residency Period: April 2026 – October 2026
- Exhibition Opening: January / February 2027
Location
Toronto, Canada
Additional Details
The final exhibition will be presented in the Museum's lobby space or designated cases. The theme must be of contemporary relevance and informed by current scholarship. The resident is also required to give at least one public presentation and contribute digital content for the museum's platforms.