Fellowships: Emerging Curator Program 2026
VisArts Emerging Curator Program 2026
Application Deadline: January 9, 2026, Midnight
VisArts invites applications from emerging curators to work with an experienced mentoring curator to develop and present an exhibition at VisArts in the Kaplan Gallery in the fall of 2026.
The VisArts Emerging Curator Program offers a unique opportunity for an emerging curator or artist with an interest in exhibition-making or curating to work with an experienced mentoring curator to develop and present an exhibition and to assist in the presentation of the mentor’s exhibition. To develop expanded education programming and enhanced visitor experiences, the 2026 Emerging Curator and the 2026 Mentoring Curator will also focus on developing tools to support public programming that promotes social interaction, creative exchange, and audience engagement.
VisArts will provide the Emerging Curator with a $10,000 budget to cover exhibition costs and curatorial fees. Additional staff support for printing, promotions, and execution of exhibition programming is available. The program is one year and will begin in January 2026.
International applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. VisArts is unable to provide or assist with visas.
The selection panel includes the VisArts Galleries Director & Curator, Artist Advisory Council, and the 2026 Mentoring Curator.
VisArts is a nonprofit arts center in Rockville, Maryland. We’re the largest visual arts organization in the area and an active, significant presence in the greater metropolitan arts community. Our contemporary art galleries, artist studios, and 355 POD Space Gallery are located in Rockville Town Square, a thriving gathering place for the local community. VisArts presents exhibitions of contemporary art in our five galleries, along with related programs and events. We also offer Emerging Curator and Studio Artist Programs along with art classes and VisAbility Art Lab, our supported studio for adult emerging artists with disabilities.
