Organizer Information
HART HAUS is a contemporary art and cultural space in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, focused on supporting artistic and curatorial development through exhibitions, educational programmes, workshops, and professional exchange. Its Curatorship Incubation Programme (CIP) was first launched in 2021 for art enthusiasts and aspiring curators seeking to develop their understanding and practice of contemporary art curation. The 2026 edition focuses on the changing relationship between technology, new media, machine intelligence, and exhibition-making.
Title & Description
HART Curatorship Incubation Programme
The HART Curatorship Incubation Programme 2026 is an educational and professional development programme for emerging and aspiring curators. This year's theme, “Curating in the Age of New Media, Post-Media, and Machine Intelligence,” explores how technological developments are transforming artworks, exhibition spaces, audiences, and the role of the curator.
The programme examines technology broadly, encompassing new media, electronic and interactive art, algorithms, machine learning, environmental systems, and other technological infrastructures. Participants will explore the transition from human-centred exhibition models toward more complex systems involving non-human actors, automated processes, data, environments, and interactive audiences.
The programme is divided into Basic and Advanced tracks. The Advanced Programme provides additional mentorship and proposal development opportunities. One outstanding exhibition proposal submitted by an Advanced Programme participant will be selected for potential realisation at HART HAUS in 2027.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Contemporary Art
- New Media Art
- Media Art
- Exhibition Making
- Art & Technology
Eligibility
The programme is intended primarily for individuals with a strong interest in contemporary curatorial practice. Applicants with relevant experience or backgrounds in arts and culture, media, design, or museum work are particularly encouraged to apply.
Ideal participants should demonstrate curiosity, creativity, an open-minded approach to learning, commitment to developing a career in the field, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong organisational and communication skills and a proactive approach to discussion and learning are also recommended.
The programme is limited to approximately 35 participants, including up to 10 Advanced Programme participants. No nationality, gender, or specific age restriction is stated in the provided call.
Program Benefits & Awards
The Basic Programme includes:
- 6 core lectures
- 4 guest sessions
- Foundations of contemporary curating
- Practical curatorial skills and case studies
- Perspectives from curators, artists, and cultural practitioners
The Advanced Programme additionally provides:
- 2 one-on-one online mentorship sessions
- 1 additional presentation session
- Exhibition proposal development and review
- Individual guidance on career development, research, CV/portfolio building, and curatorial skills
- Feedback from key facilitators, the programme team, and sponsor
One outstanding Advanced Programme exhibition proposal may be selected for realisation at HART HAUS in 2027. The selected proposal will receive venue sponsorship and marketing support from HART HAUS, plus up to HKD 100,000 in additional funding, supported by the Octone Foundation. Selection and realisation are not guaranteed.
Application Fee
- Basic Programme: HKD 5,800
- Advanced Programme: HKD 7,800
An early-bird discount of HKD 300 was available for applications submitted by 18 September 2026 at 11:59 pm. Since the current date is 20 September 2026, this early-bird deadline has passed.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
- Successful applicants contacted: Early October 2026
- Programme dates: 24 October, 31 October, 7 November, 14 November, 21 November, and 28 November 2026
- Advanced Programme additional class: 28 November 2026
- Programme duration: Approximately 5–6 weeks
- Selected exhibition realisation: 2027
Location
Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Additional Details
The programme consists of three major learning areas: Curation from the Human to the Non-Human Era, Materialising Technology, and Interactivity. Participants will consider the historical development of new media art, the technical and spatial requirements of exhibiting technology-based work, and methods for creating meaningful audience interaction.
The Advanced Programme requires participants to develop and submit an exhibition proposal. Preferred proposals should demonstrate a clear and original concept, a well-contextualised selection of artists, at least one new media work, technical feasibility, effective public programming, realistic scheduling and budgeting, and consideration of accessibility.
The programme is primarily conducted in English, although facilitators may occasionally use Mandarin or Cantonese.