Organizer Information
ISSUE Project Room is a Brooklyn-based non-profit arts organisation dedicated to presenting and supporting experimental, interdisciplinary, and boundary-pushing artistic practices. Founded in 2003 under the artistic vision of Suzanne Fiol (1960–2009), ISSUE has developed a strong reputation as a platform for innovative contemporary performance, sound, music, visual arts, and interdisciplinary projects.
Since its establishment, ISSUE Project Room has focused on expanding the possibilities of artistic expression by providing artists with opportunities to develop ambitious new works and engage with diverse audiences. The organisation supports artists working across performance, experimental music, media arts, and other contemporary practices, with a particular emphasis on artists whose work challenges conventional forms and contributes to critical cultural dialogue.
The Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship was created in honour of Suzanne Fiol’s legacy as an artist, curator, and influential figure in New York’s visual and performing arts communities. The fellowship continues her commitment to supporting artistic experimentation, curatorial innovation, and the development of emerging creative voices.
Through this programme, ISSUE Project Room provides an emerging New York City-based curator with financial resources, production support, mentorship, and institutional infrastructure to develop and present ambitious public programmes. The fellowship reflects ISSUE’s broader mission of supporting experimental practices and creating platforms for artists from underrepresented and underserved communities.
Title & Description
Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship 2027
The Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship is a year-long fellowship programme supporting an emerging New York City-based curator in developing, organising, and presenting innovative artistic projects during ISSUE Project Room’s 2027 season.
The programme is designed for curators and artists interested in developing ambitious new curatorial projects that expand their creative practice and contribute to contemporary artistic discourse. The selected Curatorial Fellow will have the opportunity to create a series of three public programmes with financial, technical, marketing, and curatorial support from ISSUE Project Room.
The fellowship encourages experimental approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and projects that explore new forms of artistic presentation. Applicants should propose projects that demonstrate originality, strong artistic vision, feasibility, and alignment with ISSUE’s commitment to innovative and challenging artistic practices.
Throughout the fellowship year, the selected curator receives mentorship and institutional support to develop ideas from concept through execution, including access to technical resources, rehearsal spaces, ISSUE’s archive, and professional development opportunities.
Categories
- Performing Arts
- Performance Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Contemporary Art
- Experimental Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Music
- Sound Art
- Theatre
- Dance
- Multimedia Art
- Installation Art
- Visual Arts
Eligibility
- Must be current residents of New York City
- Open to emerging curators and artists developing curatorial practices
- Applicants must not have previously participated in the Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship programme
- Applicants may submit only one application per cycle
- Applicants may reapply in future fellowship cycles
The programme is intended for individuals who:
- Demonstrate a strong artistic or curatorial vision
- Have ambitious project ideas that can evolve through the fellowship period
- Seek to expand and transform their creative practice
- Are interested in experimental and interdisciplinary artistic approaches
- Can articulate how the fellowship will support the development of their work
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected Curatorial Fellow receives comprehensive financial and institutional support, including:
Financial Support
- $3,000 stipend
- Up to $10,000 production budget (net) funded by ISSUE Project Room for the creation of three public programmes
Production & Technical Support
- Access to ISSUE’s technical inventory and resources
- Curatorial, marketing, and technical assistance throughout the fellowship
- Support with production planning and programme execution
- Free access to rehearsal space at one of ISSUE’s partner venues before each programme
Professional Development
- Mentorship from ISSUE curators and artistic advisors
- Access to ISSUE’s extensive archive
- Opportunities for technical training
- Potential support with grant writing and professional development activities
- Free admission to ISSUE programmes throughout the fellowship year
Presentation Opportunities
The fellow will develop and present three public programmes during the 2027 season.
Due to renovation limitations at ISSUE’s main venue at 22 Boerum Place, alternative presentation spaces will be explored in collaboration with the fellow. Applicants are encouraged to describe preferred rehearsal and performance spaces within their proposals.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Curatorial project proposal
- Description of artistic vision and goals
- Explanation of how the fellowship will support the applicant’s creative development
- Project feasibility details
- Production and technical requirements
- Timeline and implementation plan
- Information about preferred rehearsal or presentation spaces (if available)
Strong applications should demonstrate:
- Inventiveness and originality of the proposed project
- Clear conceptual framework
- Understanding of production requirements
- Alignment with ISSUE Project Room’s mission
- Commitment to experimentation and expanding artistic boundaries
How to Apply?
- Applicants must first request application materials by email: curatorial@issueprojectroom.org
- Subject line: “SFCF 2027 Request for Application”
After receiving the materials, applicants must submit the completed application by email.
- Submission email: curatorial@issueprojectroom.org
- Subject line: “SFCF 2027 Application Submission”
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 July 2026
- Notification Date: 14 September 2026
- Fellowship Period: 2027 Season
Location
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Additional Details
- The fellowship is specifically focused on supporting emerging curatorial voices in New York City.
- Applicants should propose projects that demonstrate experimentation, risk-taking, and meaningful artistic development.
- Projects involving complex technical or interdisciplinary elements are welcome, provided applicants clearly explain production requirements and feasibility.
- The selection committee consists of members of ISSUE’s Artistic Advisory Council and current ISSUE curators.
- Applications are evaluated based on:
- Inventiveness
- Clarity of artistic vision
- Feasibility
- Alignment with ISSUE’s mission
- Applicants should not contact ISSUE curators, panel members, or staff directly regarding application decisions or outreach. Clarifying questions should only be sent to the official application email.