Curatorial Fellowship, Hayward Gallery
Upė Foundation and Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery are pleased to launch the first Upė Foundation Curatorial Fellowship in London, as part of Upė’s inaugural Curatorial Fellowship Programme bridging the Baltic region and the UK.
Upė Foundation Curatorial Fellowship at Hayward Gallery is a full-time, 12-month position for a Baltic early-career curator, due to start in April 2026, with the possibility of a further 6-month extension (18 months in total) upon review and mutual decision. Relocation to London, United Kingdom, is required.
Upė Foundation is a new London-based organisation with a core aim to provide new platforms for dialogue and exchange between the Baltic region and contemporary art communities internationally. Upė begins its work with a series of Curatorial Fellowships with major institutions – Hayward Gallery and Tallinn Art Hall – to support the next generation of curators across the UK and the Baltic countries.
About Hayward Gallery
The Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery is a world-renowned contemporary art gallery. As part of the largest arts centre in the UK, the Hayward Gallery has been at the centre of London’s cultural life since it was established in 1968 and remains committed to creating a place where people can come together to experience bold, unusual, entertaining and eye-opening work.
About the fellowship role
The Gallery’s diverse exhibition programme features influential artists from across the world and major international group shows exploring pivotal themes and issues. Embedded across exhibitions and public programming, the Upė Foundation Curatorial Fellowship offers the selected curator full-time work and structured professional development within the curatorial team, while also recognising the value of Baltic research networks, perspectives and artistic contexts. The Fellow will be responsible for conducting research on artists from the Baltic region and beyond, assisting with the logistics of bringing major international shows to life. The role is designed to expand the Fellow’s skill set, from public engagement to practical training in operations such as developing interpretation materials.
Key eligibility criteria
Has relevant and demonstrable curatorial experience. Preference will be given to emerging practitioners who have not held full-time roles in museums and/or other major institutions;
Has demonstrable research and administration skills, with a methodical approach and attention to detail;
Has a higher education qualification (BA, MA or equivalent) in a relevant field such as curating, art history, visual culture or related disciplines;
Has a strong connection to, or sustained engagement with, the Baltic region (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and their diasporas). Examples include lived experience or heritage, working knowledge of a Baltic language, ongoing research or teaching, or a significant body of relevant curatorial work.
Salary & Job description
The full job description is available here.
How to apply
Please apply by completing the application through the application portal here.
Application deadline: 12:00 (noon) UK time, Monday 12 January 2026
Interviews: February 2026
Start date: April 2026
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed jointly by Upė Foundation and Hayward Gallery. Following an initial assessment, a shortlist of candidates will be invited to a first-round online interview with representatives from both organisations. A smaller group of finalists will be invited to a second interview. The selection panel will include members of Upė Foundation and Hayward Gallery. Decisions are made by consensus, with agreement required from the full panel at each stage.