Empowering Curators
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Up to 10 Host Organisations will be selected.
Empowering Curators is a major curatorial leadership programme for Global Majority curators, led by Art Fund in collaboration with peer funders and museum partners across the UK.
Through a programme of bespoke Curatorial Fellowships, supported by committed and meaningful organisational change within Host museums, we aim to increase the number of mid- and senior-career Global Majority curators progressing into curatorial and executive leadership roles across the UK museum sector.
The programme will support curators and Host Organisations to develop innovative programmes, explore collections in new ways, and engage broader audiences through greater representation of the communities they serve.
The programme will:
Provide Global Majority curators with professional development, support and allyship through multi-year Curatorial Fellowships - offering the opportunities, resources, training and networks needed to accelerate their careers at a critical stage.
Build capacity and drive structural change across Host organisations and the sector - Institutions hosting Curatorial Fellows will be equipped with support, resources and a robust strategy to undertake their own programme of organisational change, centring inclusivity and equity, and demonstrating commitment from senior leadership to embed this change.
Fuel innovative and inclusive experiences for museum audiences, empowering the Curatorial Fellows and their Host organisations to challenge traditional practices and embrace new ways of working.
The programme is aimed at mid- to senior-career Global Majority curators, recognising this as a critical stage in career progression where support and development opportunities have historically been limited. Across the two cohorts, the programme will support:
A number of newly created curatorial roles established by Host organisations through the programme.
Existing curators already working within Host organisations to join the programme as Fellows.
Each Fellowship and associated organisational change activities will last up to three years and run from 2027-2030. There will be 10 Fellows and 10 Hosts across this second Cohort.
Alongside support for the Fellows, Empowering Curators will support Host Organisations to strengthen inclusive leadership, develop organisational capacity, and support meaningful, long-term organisational change. By investing in both people and institutions, the programme aims to create lasting impact for curators, organisations and the wider sector.
Pre-application workshop
This workshop will provide an opportunity for prospective Host Organisations to learn more about the programme, explore its aims and ambitions, meet some of the project partners, and ask any questions. The workshop will be held online on 18 September, from 12pm-1pm.
Interested in attending? Contact Amisha Karia (akaria@artfund.org) for details.
Empowering Curators is an Art Fund programme made possible with lead investment from Art Fund and generous support from The Headley Trust, Arts Council England, Ford Foundation, Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, Rothschild Foundation, John Booth Charitable Foundation, Hollick Family Foundation and individual supporters.
What we can fund
Who can apply
Key deadlines
How to apply
How to apply
Read the Host Information Pack
Download the Host Information Pack for applicants which gives full details of the programme, including eligibility and how to apply.
If you're considering using AI as part of your application, please also read our guidance on Using AI to apply for a grant or funding.
Get in touch
Before you get started, we would love to have a chat with you. Please contact Amisha Karia, Programme Manager to arrange this pre-application conversation, akaria@artfund.org. We will not be able to accept an application unless we have met with you before you submit.
Submit your application
Due to changes to the system, we will be accepting application forms via Microsoft Forms rather than our online portal. Please use this link to submit your application form. If you have any questions, please contact Amisha Karia, akaria@artfund.org
After you've applied
Interviews
If you are shortlisted for interview this will be an opportunity to explore the information provided in your written application and discuss your organisation's readiness to participate. Interviews are assessed alongside the written application.
Complete paperwork
If your application is successful, we will send you our offer paperwork with more details on recruiting your Curatorial Fellow and how to claim your grant. Please note, all Fellows should be confirmed and in post by September 2027.
Receive feedback
If your application is unsuccessful, we will explain the decision and offer brief feedback.