Organizer Information
Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO (MACS MTO) is located in Chatou, near Paris, in a 19th-century mansion on the banks of the Seine, facing the Île des Impressionnistes. Opened to the public in September 2024, it is the only museum entirely dedicated to Sufism, exploring its artistic, spiritual, and cultural expressions. Rather than focusing solely on history, MACS MTO places Sufism in dialogue with contemporary art, engaging audiences in multidisciplinarity including visual arts, performance, music, literature, cinema, and scientific perspectives. The museum campus features 450 m² of exhibition space, a Sufi garden, a garden-level programming area, and an adjacent pavilion with offices and a research library.
Title & Description
Call for Exhibition Proposal: 2027–2028 – “Sublime Love” (Ishq)
MACS MTO invites an experienced curator to develop a major exhibition exploring the theme of Sublime Love, engaging directly with Sufi concepts, practices, and principles. The exhibition will position the museum’s Sufi art collection in conversation with contemporary artists’ works, emphasizing spiritual, philosophical, and artistic dimensions rather than political or socio-historical narratives. The selected curator will also oversee the accompanying catalogue, programming, and promotion of the exhibition.
Role Overview
- Contract type: Project-based curatorial contract (for the full exhibition lifecycle)
- Budget:
- Curatorial fee: €18,900
- Exhibition production: €30,000
- Reporting to: MACS MTO Director and team
- Programme: Full curatorial oversight including exhibition concept, catalogue, and associated events
Position & Tasks
- Develop a curatorial concept around “Sublime Love”
- Integrate the museum collection with contemporary artworks
- Prepare and finalise the catalogue, exhibition layout, and scenography
- Collaborate with MACS MTO staff, artists, and external contributors
- Oversee installation, press events, and public programs
- Supervise the de-installation and provide a closing report with curatorial assessment
- Ensure the exhibition aligns with the museum’s scientific and cultural vision
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Multidisciplinary projects (possible integration of performance, literature, music, or cinema)
Eligibility
- Experienced curators in contemporary art
- Demonstrated international or national curatorial experience
- Strong research and writing skills
- Familiarity with Sufi philosophy preferred
- Ability to engage diverse audiences and manage complex projects
- Open to candidates globally (international applicants eligible)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Curatorial fee of €18,900
- Full support for exhibition production (€30,000 budget)
- Collaboration with MACS MTO team and access to the museum collection
- Visibility in a major Paris-adjacent museum and international exposure
- Professional networking and project development opportunities
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Pre-selection materials (30 October – 15 December 2025):
- CV
- Portfolio documenting three past exhibitions (including images, statements, press releases)
- 1–2 published essays, articles, or reviews (hyperlinks acceptable)
- Documentation of three organised or participated programs (hyperlinks or recordings welcome)
Proposal submission (20 February 2026 for shortlisted candidates):
- Project presentation (500–700 words) on “Sublime Love”
- Initial selection of key objects for the exhibition
- Presentation of contemporary artists and their practices
- Strategy for engaging different audience groups (families, schools, seniors, etc.)
- Summary of known commitments through 2028
How to Apply
- Email for pre-selection: expositions@macsmto.fr
Key Dates
- Pre-selection (CV + portfolio): 30 October – 15 December 2025
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
- Proposal submission (invited candidates): 20 February 2026
- Jury interviews via Zoom: 23 February – 6 March 2026
- Notification of decision: 20 March 2026
- Contractualization: 23 March – 20 April 2026
- Project kick-off: 23 April 2026
- Exhibition duration: September 2027 – Summer 2028
Location
Chatou, France
Additional Details
- The exhibition should primarily engage with Sufi thought and spiritual dimensions
- Not restricted to Sufi or Muslim artists; all cultural backgrounds welcome
- Multidisciplinary approach encouraged
- Curator works closely with MACS MTO staff for alignment with scientific and cultural objectives