Organizer Information
The FIA Young Curator Residency is hosted by Fogo Island Arts (FIA), a residency-based contemporary art venue located on Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada. Established in 2008 as an initiative of Shorefast, FIA supports the Research and production of new work by artists, curators, and thinkers from around the world. Through the FIA Young Curator Residency, the organization connects global contemporary art practices with the specific cultural and physical landscape of the North Atlantic.
This partnership with the Hnatyshyn Foundation provides a unique platform for professional growth. The program is designed to offer uninterrupted time for creative experimentation and reflection.
The Hnatyshyn Foundation is a private charity established by the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, Canada’s 24th Governor General. Its mission is to assist emerging and established Canadian artists across all disciplines in their career development and to promote the significance of the arts to the Canadian public.
Title & Description
The 2026 Hnatyshyn Foundation – FIA Young Curator Residency
This residency provides an exceptional opportunity for an emerging Canadian curator to immerse themselves in the unique environment of Fogo Island for six weeks. The program is designed to offer uninterrupted time for creative experimentation, research, and reflection. As a "place-based" experience, the residency encourages rich cross-disciplinary dialogue between the resident curator, international artists-in-residence, FIA staff, and the local community. The selected candidate will contribute to FIA initiatives and work toward developing global networks essential to modern curatorial practice.
Categories
Curatorial Practice, Contemporary Art Research, Art Writing, and Exhibition Development.
Eligibility
- Nationality: Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Age: Must be between 25 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of the application deadline.
- Experience: Must have curated a minimum of two exhibitions and published at least two critical essays on contemporary art.
- Professionalism: Must demonstrate specialized training in contemporary art (academic or professional) and have a history of peer recognition.
- Skills: Must hold a valid Driver’s License (and be eligible to rent a car) and be proficient in English.
- Independence: Must be comfortable working in a self-directed capacity within a remote environment.
Program Benefits & Awards
The residency is valued at approximately $15,000 CAD and includes:
- Fully covered travel costs to and from Fogo Island.
- Accommodation in a traditional Newfoundland heritage house.
- Use of a vehicle for on-island transportation.
- A weekly honorarium/stipend to cover food and incidental expenses.
- Access to a network of international artists and professional mentorship.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Letter of Intent: Outlining residency objectives and curatorial philosophy.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail training and professional history.
- Portfolio: Documentation of up to 10 exhibitions (images or 2 video links) and/or examples of published work (max. 10 pages).
- Proof of Driver’s License: A copy of a valid license.
- Online Application Form: Completed through the SlideRoom portal.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 January 2026
- Residency Period: 6 weeks during September and October 2026.
Location
Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Additional Details
The residency emphasizes "place-based" knowledge. Curators are expected to engage with the island's unique ecology, economy, and community. Applicants should be prepared for the realities of a remote North Atlantic environment, which requires a high degree of self-reliance and an interest in social innovation.