SSA-IAF Curatorial Research Grant 2026–27
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
September 10, 2026
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)
Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President, Sharjah Art Foundation (Sharjah, UAE)
Jitish Kallat, Artist & Curator (Mumbai, India)
Nora Lawrence, Executive Director, Storm King Art Center (New York, USA)
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview in early November 2026. The Grant recipient will be announced by mid November 2026, and they would travel to India in February 2027.
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:
Statement of Intent (300 words)
Research Proposal (1 page)
Proposal for a Future Project/Collaboration (1 page)
CV
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those working with underrepresented regions, artists, and methodologies 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.