Organizer Information
VisArts is a premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts center located in Rockville, Maryland. As the largest visual arts organization in the area, VisArts serves as a vibrant hub for artistic exploration and social impact. Since 1987, the center has been dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through the visual arts. Their facilities include five contemporary art galleries, artist studios, and specialized labs like VisAbility—a supported studio for adult artists with disabilities. VisArts is a central presence in the greater metropolitan arts community, fostering creative exchange through exhibitions, classes, and community workshops.
Title & Description
VisArts Emerging Curator Program 2026
This program is a prestigious year-long residency designed for an emerging curator or artist to develop professional exhibition-making skills under the guidance of an expert. The 2026 participant will work alongside John Massier (Visual Arts Curator at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center). The program focuses on the full lifecycle of an exhibition—from research and artist contracts to installation and marketing. A unique pillar of the 2026 cycle is the development of tools for social interaction and audience engagement, ensuring the final exhibition in the Kaplan Gallery promotes creative exchange and accessible visitor experiences.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice: Exhibition research, design, and management.
- Contemporary Art: All visual media suitable for gallery presentation.
- Education & Programming: Development of public engagement tools and social interactive media.
Eligibility
- Emerging Professionals: Open to emerging curators or artists with a demonstrated interest in curating.
- Work Authorization: International applicants are welcome but must be eligible to work in the United States. VisArts cannot provide or assist with visa sponsorship.
- Availability: Applicants must be able to commit to the full program duration (January 2026 – January 2027).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Financial Support: A $10,000 budget to cover exhibition costs and curatorial fees.
- Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from John Massier, a veteran curator with over 30 years of experience.
- Exhibition Space: A featured exhibition at the Kaplan Gallery in late 2026.
- Professional Development: Hands-on experience in budget management, catalog writing, sponsorship, and gallery installation.
- Institutional Support: Staff assistance for printing, public relations, and execution of programming.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Current CV: Outlining relevant experience and education.
- Evidence of Past Projects: Up to 10 still images, or 5 minutes of video/audio of past curatorial or artistic work.
- Supporting Documents: A list of images/media and a PDF of supporting materials.
- Curatorial Statement: A comprehensive statement answering specific prompts regarding your interest in mentorship, your curatorial intentions, and your vision for community engagement and audience enrichment.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
- Notification Date: 16 January 2026
- Interviews: January 20–21, 2026
- Selected Curator Notified: January 23, 2026.
- Mentoring Curator Exhibition: July 31 – October 26, 2026
- Emerging Curator Exhibition: November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Location
Rockville, Maryland, United States
Additional Details
Applicants do not need a fully realized project proposal at the time of application. The selection committee is primarily interested in the candidate’s "sensibilities, tastes, and interests." The actual exhibition theme and artist selection will be developed collaboratively during the first half of the residency year. This makes the program particularly valuable for those who have a strong vision but require the institutional framework and mentorship to bring it to life.
