ARAK announces the open call for the 2025–26 Curatorial Fellowship Programme. Established in 2020 to support young and mid-career curators based on the African continent, the 2025-26 iteration is held in partnership with the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) Gallery. It will provide two curators with an opportunity to research, develop, and realise an exhibition of works from the ARAK Collection, as well as to write / edit the accompanying catalogue.

The Fellowship will run for a ten-month period, from 1 May 2025 – 28 February 2026, following an initial visit to the collection in Doha, Qatar, in April 2025.

Successful applicants are supported throughout the course of the Fellowship, from the development of their concept to the final realisation of their exhibitions, which will take place at the FADA Gallery in 2026. This includes a monthly stipend of $400 for the duration of the Fellowship (total: US$4000), logistical support from ARAK’s core team, as well as mentorship from our Advisory Committee—comprised of Tandazani Dhlakama, Heba El Kayal, Thembinkosi Goniwe, and Ashraf Jamal—and on the ground support from the FADA Gallery team.

Applications

Applicants are invited to submit a proposal based on their curatorial interests in the collection via the online application portal. In addition to completing the online application form—which includes space for a motivational letter and proposed project—please ensure that your application includes the required uploads, namely:

1.  Your most recent CV (in either PDF or MS Word format, including mention and, if possible, links to select / relevant curatorial projects).
2. 3 writing samples (in either MS Word or PDF format, which may include reviews, articles, or academic essays that you feel most relevant to your research interests);
3. A breakdown of your proposed budget (in either Excel, PDF, or MS Word format, indicating, by way of percentage, how you think you may use / allocate the budget provided. This is intended to demonstrate an understanding of budgetary requirements and to ascertain where emphasis will be placed in the realisation of your project, rather than a concrete blueprint for the allocation of funds).

Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by ARAK’s core curatorial team, with input from the Advisory Committee and host institution. Interviews will be conducted with shortlisted candidates, with successful applicants notified on 7 March 2025.

Application Timeline

Application deadline: 8 February 2025
Interviews: 22 February – 1 March 2025
Notification of acceptance: 7 March 2025
Travel to Doha: 5 – 9 April 2025

‍About ARAK Collection

ARAK Collection is an independent, Qatari-based initiative that aims to promote contemporary African art through exhibitions, publications, research, and educational programmes. As one of the largest contemporary African art collections in the Middle East, it is a resource for artists, curators, and researchers that intends to foster critical dialogue around contemporary art practices, with a focus on the work of artists from sub-Saharan Africa.

About FADA Gallery

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, FADA Gallery is an inhouse, experimental, vibrant, and transformative creative lab space devoted to stimulating innovative thinking through a host of art and design-based experiences. Constructing knowledge through cutting edge art and design practices in a diverse range of curated exhibitions, events, talks, and new media compliments the FADA teaching and learning experience, including the research and development program. Bringing advancements in local art, design and architecture developments to students, staff, alumni, and the local art community.

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