Opportunities for Research and Exhibition Production
For curators, a residency is not merely a trip; it is a vital opportunity for research, expanding professional networks, and, most importantly, accessing budgets to realize exhibition ideas. In the art world, programs that are both “fully funded” and cover “exhibition production costs” are highly competitive and sought after.
Below are 5 of the most prestigious and valuable opportunities in Europe and the USA that provide exactly these conditions. 
1. Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo (Turin, Italy 🇮🇹)
Program Name: Young Curators Residency Programme (YCRP)
This program is widely considered the most prestigious gateway into the European art scene for emerging curators. Each year, the foundation selects only 3 curators from around the world for an intensive educational and practical residency.
- Structure:The residency typically runs from February to June. Curators travel across Italy, meeting with over 100 artists, gallerists, and museum directors (Studio Visits). The ultimate goal is clear: the three residents must work as a team to curate the Final Exhibition featuring works by Italian artists.
- Financial Coverage (Fully Funded):
- Round-trip airfare.
- Free accommodation in Turin.
- Monthly per diem for living expenses.
- A comprehensive budget for the production and installation of the final exhibition.
- Website: fsrr.org/ycrp
2. Apexart (New York, USA / International 🇺🇸🌍)
Program Name: International & NYC Open Calls
Apexart is not a traditional residency where you simply “stay and research”; it is a genuine Curatorial Competition. It boasts one of the most democratic selection systems (Crowdsourced Jury), meaning your proposal is judged anonymously based solely on the strength of the idea.
- Structure:Apexart holds two annual open calls:
- NYC Open Call: To curate an exhibition at the Apexart gallery space in Manhattan.
- International Open Call: To curate an exhibition anywhere else in the world (outside of NYC).Winners receive the budget and full executive authority to turn their idea into reality.
- Financial Coverage (Fully Funded):
- Production Budget: Up to $10,000 to build the exhibition.
- Curator Honorarium: $2,000.
- Travel & Accommodation: Full coverage for the curator’s travel and hotel to oversee installation and the opening.
- Website: apexart.org/opencalls
3. Basis Frankfurt (Frankfurt, Germany 🇩🇪)
Program Name: Curator in Residence
The Basis institution is a major production hub in Germany, and its curatorial residency offers an excellent opportunity to deeply engage with the German art scene.
- Structure:This program typically lasts for 3 months. The selected curator is provided with an office at the Basis building and gains direct access to the studios of dozens of resident artists. A key component is the expectation of a “Final Project,” which can take the form of a lecture, workshop, critical text, or ideally, an exhibition in the Basis gallery.
- Financial Coverage (Fully Funded):
- Monthly Grant: €1,000.
- Accommodation: Independent furnished apartment.
- Travel allowance to/from Frankfurt.
- Dedicated budget for the production of the final project.
- Website: basis-frankfurt.de/residencies
4. HICP – Helsinki International Curatorial Programme (Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮)
Program Name: HICP Residency
This program is a collaboration between two Finnish art giants: HIAP (Helsinki International Artist Programme) and Frame Contemporary Art Finland. Unlike the previous entries, the focus here is less on “immediate product production” and more on “research and networking.”
- Structure:Curators are invited for a period of 1 to 3 months. The program offers the freedom to meet with artists, museums, and institutions across Finland. This is the best option for curators who want to work on long-term research projects or find partners for future collaborations without the stress of immediate exhibition deadlines.
- Financial Coverage (Fully Funded):
- Travel: Full coverage of round-trip costs.
- Accommodation: Free stay in fully equipped HIAP studios (located on the beautiful island of Suomenlinna).
- Living Grant: Approximately €40 per day (approx. €1,200/month) + small budget for local travel.
- Website: hiap.fi/collaboration/hicp
5. SAC – Sant Andreu Contemporani (Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸)
Program Name: International Curatorial Residency Program (Miquel Casablancas Prize)
This program is exactly the model a pragmatic curator looks for: a combination of an award, a residency, and executive responsibility. It is part of the prestigious Miquel Casablancas Prize.
- Structure:The selected curator holds a powerful dual role:
- Jury Member: You participate in the jury process for the art prize, reviewing the portfolios of applicants.
- Exhibition Curator: Your main duty is to design and curate the exhibition featuring the works of the prize Finalists.This means you are immediately placed at the heart of decision-making in Barcelona’s emerging art scene.
- Financial Coverage (Fully Funded):
- Honorarium: €1,200 (Fee).
- Production Budget: Approx. €3,000 (for exhibition setup and organization).
- Facilities: Free accommodation and workspace during the residency.
- Travel: Round-trip ticket coverage (up to €600).
- Website: santandreucontemporani.org
