SSA-IAF Curatorial Research Grant 2025–2026

This grant is a new initiative that invites one curator annually for a fully funded research visit to India. Conceived by Saat Saath Arts Foundation (SSA), in partnership with India Art Fair (IAF), the grant is designed for curators who are at a pivotal moment in their practice, where critical exposure to new contexts, access to diverse artists and institutions, and time for immersive fieldwork can help seed future collaborations, exhibitions, or texts.

It is a research-driven curatorial engagement, carefully structured to deepen transnational dialogue and long-term connectivity between Indian and international contemporary art ecosystems.

WHAT THE GRANT PROVIDES
    •    Roundtrip airfare
    •    Domestic travel and ground transport within India
    •    Accommodation during the research period
    •    A curated itinerary of artist studio visits, institutional meetings, and access to India Art Fair, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and other key exhibitions
    •    Opportunities for both public and closed-door conversations with peers

The program culminates in a public online presentation and requires the development of a longer-term curatorial project, whether an exhibition, publication, or public art project.

DEADLINE
August 31, 2025

JURY
Applications will be reviewed by a distinguished international jury including:

• Kamini Sawhney, Artistic Director, Public Arts Project, BLRHubba; Museum Management Consultant, Bengaluru, India

• Sandhini Poddar, Adjunct Curator at Large, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, London, UK

• Dhyandra Lawson, Andy Song Associate Curator, Contemporary Art, LACMA, Los Angeles, USA

• Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah, UAE

• Jitish Kallat, Artist & Curator, Mumbai, India

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview in September 2025. Grantees will be announced by early October 2025. Selected grantees will travel to India in February 2026.

ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open to curators who:
    •    Are based and professionally active outside India
    •    Have a minimum of 8 years of curatorial experience
    •    Have curated at least one institutional exhibition
    •    Can demonstrate a strong track record of research, writing, or programming

APPLICATION MATERIALS
You will be asked to upload a single PDF (max 10MB) containing:
    1.    Statement of Intent (300 words)
    2.    Research Proposal (1 page)
    3.    Proposal for a Future Project/Collaboration (1 page)
    4.    CV

Applicants are welcome from all backgrounds, and those working with underrepresented regions, artists, and methodologies are encouraged to apply.

HISTORY

Originally launched in 2015 as the Saat Saath Arts Curatorial Research Grant, the program has supported leading international curators in developing long-term engagement with India’s contemporary art landscape for over 10 years. Past awardees include Catherine David, Lauren Cornell, Rachel Kent, Dieter Roelstraete, Helen Pheby, Laura Raicovich, Diana Freundl, and most recently Nora Lawrence.