Full Spectrum Curatorship Programme 2026
IMPAKT [Centre for Media Culture] invites emerging and aspiring curators with an interest in media art, digital culture, and the intersection of technology and society to apply for the Full Spectrum Curatorship Programme.
Artistic practices are increasingly shaped by networks, algorithms, and hybrid forms of experience. In turn, curators operate within a cultural landscape in flux, reimagining how art can be encountered and contextualised. The Full Spectrum Curatorship aims to bridge theoretical knowledge with the practical dimensions of curating media art and contemporary art in relation to digital technologies and online environments. As one of the leading platforms for media art in the Netherlands, IMPAKT offers recent graduates and early- and mid-career curators the opportunity to develop their own curatorial project proposal under expert guidance. The programme draws on the experience of internationally recognised curators, guest speakers, and IMPAKT’s extensive archive and contemporary critical programming.
Taking place in Utrecht from September to December 2026, the fourth edition of Full Spectrum combines collective sessions, personal mentorship, guest contributions, and peer exchange. Participants will be paired with curator mentors to develop a curatorial proposal and receive support in refining and positioning their ideas. Mentors will present their own curatorial practices, collective sessions will allow for peer dialogue, and guest speakers working across curating and cultural production will contribute additional perspectives on the field.
The training programme will include discussions on the history, theory, contextualisation, organisation, and execution of media art-related programmes. It will cover the development of curatorial concepts, critical and societal contextualisation, artwork selection, budgets and funding, audience reception, and presentation formats. The focus will be on time-based media, with specific attention to technological history and change, logistical considerations, and the challenges and opportunities presented by multi-channel and interactive presentation formats.
Participants will become part of a cohort of fellow emerging curators, creating a space for exchange, experimentation, and shared reflection throughout the process. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a solid curatorial project proposal that can serve as a foundation for future collaborations, exhibitions, and funding applications.
The final list of confirmed curator mentors is:
Annet Dekker
Bart Rutten
Ine Gevers
Paulien Dresscher
Doreen A. Ríos (online)
Eva Fischer, IKT Member (online)
Recent graduates, as well as aspiring and emerging curators, are invited to apply. Participants are expected to attend all sessions, including those in which fellow participants present and discuss their projects. Alongside the collective sessions, participants will take part in mentor sessions, either individually or in duos. The programme requires a minimum commitment of 8 hours per week, including preparation, research, and independent work.
Please note that all sessions will be held in English. Make sure to check the programme schedule below. The fee for participation is €400. During the final phase of the programme, participants will receive an €800 stipend to support the preparation of their final project proposal.
To apply, complete the questions in the online application form by 23:59 (CET), 1 July 2026.
Your submitted application should also include:
A project proposal for development over the course of the programme with a clear conceptual statement and approach, your personal interest in the topic or process, a brief description of the historical and societal context of the subject, and suggestions for potential artists to include, if any. (max. 2 pages)
An up-to-date resume/CV (max. 2 pages). You may include links to past projects in this document.
Evaluation will be based on your motivation, relevance of the programme to your personal and professional goals, your experience and interest in the media arts, clarity and criticality of your project proposal concerning a specific theme or topic, and the originality of your perspective and approach. We will select 12 participants. We aim to notify successful applicants by the 16th of July 2026.
See here for information about the previous edition. If you have further questions, please contact the programme coordinator via mita@impakt.nl.