Organizer Information
Upė Foundation is a new London-based organization dedicated to fostering dialogue and exchange between the Baltic region and international contemporary art communities. The foundation’s Curatorial Fellowship Programme aims to support emerging curators with significant opportunities for development and exposure, starting with its collaborations with major institutions like Hayward Gallery and Tallinn Art Hall.
Tallinn Art Hall is the largest and oldest contemporary art institution in Estonia, founded in 1934. It produces 5-6 exhibitions annually, hosting both local and international artists. The institution is currently undergoing a renovation, including the creation of a new cross-disciplinary black-box space designed for experimental and collaborative art practices.
Title & Description
Upė Foundation Curatorial Fellowship at Tallinn Art Hall
The fellowship is a full-time, 12-month position, aimed at curating and developing the inaugural programme for Tallinn Art Hall's new black-box venue. The fellow will create a multi-disciplinary curatorial programme that includes solo and duo exhibitions, installations, screenings, talks, and performances, with an emphasis on new commissions and experimental practices. This opportunity allows curators to shape innovative art spaces while engaging with contemporary social and political themes.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Design
- Performance Art
- Installation Art
- Film & Video
- Sound Art
Eligibility
- Applicants: Open to UK citizens or residents (settled/pre-settled status, long-term residency, or equivalent).
- Experience: 1–5 years of relevant curatorial experience.
- Preference: Emerging curators who have not held full-time positions in major institutions but have run small-scale, self-directed projects.
- Education: BA, MA, or equivalent in curating, art history, visual culture, or a related field.
- Age: No specific age limit.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Salary: 2213 EUR gross per month (Estonian average income).
- Health Insurance: Fully funded Estonian health insurance.
- Travel Support: Flights to Tallinn covered and a 4-day research trip to the Venice Biennale 2026.
- Equipment: A new MacBook provided.
- Accommodation & Permits: Assistance in finding accommodation and arranging work permits.
- Professional Development: Mentoring and collaboration with curators and production teams at Tallinn Art Hall.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV
- Motivational Letter (max 1 A4 page) detailing your interest in the fellowship and the Tallinn Art Hall programme.
- Programme Proposal (max 3 A4 pages) outlining curatorial approach and ideas for the black-box space.
How to Apply?
Send your application (in a single PDF file) to upefellow@kunstihoone.ee.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 January 2026
- Interviews: Late January–February 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: April 2026
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months with a possible 6-month extension.
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The fellowship offers a highly flexible working environment with collaborative support from in-house curators, project managers, and the Director of Tallinn Art Hall.
- The fellow will have a significant role in shaping experimental art projects that explore cross-disciplinary and collaborative formats.
- Tallinn Art Hall is currently undergoing renovations, which will add new facilities to its historic building, including the black-box space.