Organizer Information

NAMARA | projects Curators' Studio is a privately funded, not-for-profit venue for research, deliberation, and presentation of curatorial work, located at 401 Richmond Street in Toronto. The Curators' Studio houses both NAMARA's professional and not-for-profit operations, alongside its ongoing work with luxury brands and distinguished clients, and continues to host curatorial residencies that challenge traditions through critical research and practice. The organization embraces a decentralized exhibition model, partnering with commercial galleries, artist-run centres, and unconventional venues to present its work across diverse settings. NAMARA was founded by curator Natalie MacNamara, and its curatorial program has hosted a series of exhibitions and residencies at the Richmond Street studio, including past projects with curators such as Na'ama Freeman and Jessica Thalmann, and residency collectives such as GAS Collective. The organization has previously run editions of this same curatorial residency call.

Title & Description

NAMARA Curatorial Residency — projects Curators' Studio

NAMARA | projects Curators' Studio is inviting applications from independent art professionals interested in engaging in research and curatorial production through its residency program. The opportunity is designed for curators seeking to deepen their practice in collaboration with NAMARA's curatorial team, with an emphasis on mutual enrichment through shared expertise, research, programming, and exhibitions. Applicants submit a proposal outlining their curatorial and research interests alongside relevant professional experience. Proposals that intersect with NAMARA's areas of business practice may receive priority consideration, though a commercially oriented focus is not required. This is a live-out residency, meaning residents do not reside on-site, and program frequency will be determined based on the quality and volume of applications received.

Categories

  • Curatorial
  • Research
  • Art Management
  • Interdisciplinary Arts

Eligibility

  • Open to independent curators based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
  • Applicants must be prepared to conduct research through both study and practice throughout the residency
  • Priority may be given, but is not required, to curators whose research interests align with NAMARA's business offerings
  • Applicants with pre-confirmed exhibitions (local or international) are encouraged to apply, as the residency can support ongoing or externally situated projects

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Fixed honorarium of $2,000 CAD to support the resident's time and engagement
  • Mentorship and curatorial dialogue with NAMARA's curatorial team
  • Project Support Funding: additional funding for project-related expenses (programming, events, exhibitions, publications), considered case-by-case and evaluated for alignment with the residency's values, scope, and available resources; may require recognition of NAMARA | projects as a collaborating partner
  • Professional exposure via NAMARA's website features, newsletters, and social media platforms
  • Possible inclusion in NAMARA-led professional initiatives
  • Letters of support to assist with securing external funding or exhibition partnerships
  • Flexible residency structure, adaptable to the curator's individual timeline and scope

Application Fee

None

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted via email to: info@namara.ca

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
  • Notification: successful applicants will be notified by January 31 of the programming year

Location

Toronto, Canada

Additional Details

  • Monthly meetings are held at the Curators' Studio during regular business hours during the active program period
  • Attendance at NAMARA's monthly field trips (visits to commercial and institutional exhibitions) is encouraged but not mandatory
  • An exhibition component is welcome but not mandatory; if proposed, exhibitions may be hosted through NAMARA's preferred venue partners or arranged independently by the applicant
  • Successful applicants must submit a final research outcome, in a mutually agreed-upon format, within 30 days of the residency's conclusion
  • Submissions that do not meet the stated guidelines will not be considered
  • Only successful applicants will be contacted; unsuccessful applicants may check in after the January 31 notification date but will not receive individual notification

Website Link: https://namaraprojects.ca/