THE EDEN Curatorial Research Fellowship
This fellowship provides financial assistance for the curator's research and writing projects. The goal is to promote meaningful curatorial practices that enhance the understanding of the arts and their cultural importance.
Application Details:
TWO exceptional curators will be chosen for this fellowship and each fellow will receive a one-time, unrestricted grant of $3,000. The selected fellows will automatically become members of the foundation, with their writing, research, and projects featured on our website and in various marketing channels and printed materials.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to curators working independently or with institutional affiliations who have a minimum of TWO years of professional experience in curation.
Required Materials
Resume in PDF format
Saved as “lastname_firstname_Resume” (e.g., Jane_Doe_Resume). Include details of your artistic experience and educational background.
Statement of Intent (250 words max)
Explain your motivation for applying for this fellowship.
Cultural Statement (Optional, 250 words max)
This supplemental statement allows you to elaborate on how your work is connected to a specific cultural practice, tradition, or community. You may also share how your curatorial endeavors are influenced by your culturally-specific lived experiences.
Project Proposal (800 words max)
Proposed Exhibition/Project Title
Provide a concise and engaging title that reflects the essence of your project.One-Sentence Proposal Summary
Summarize your project in a single, impactful sentence that captures its core idea.Project Description
Elaborate on your exhibition or project concept, detailing the themes, objectives, and envisioned outcomes.Key Contributors
Include a preliminary list of artists, curators, writers, and other collaborators relevant to your project, along with their roles.Field Relevance
Discuss the significance of your project within the current landscape of the field, including potential contributions to ongoing dialogues or practices.Fellowship Utilization Plan
Outline how you intend to leverage the fellowship to advance your research project, including specific activities or milestones.Timeline and Opportunities
Provide an estimated timeline for project delivery, potential exhibition venues, and opportunities for publication or dissemination of your work.Support and Resources
Identify any additional resources, mentorship, or support you may require to successfully execute your project.
Review Process
The selection will be conducted by an independent jury to ensure fairness and integrity in the award process. Applications are reviewed over the course of two phases:
Phase 1: The jury will conduct an independent review of assigned applications.
Phase 2: The jury will convene to collectively discuss and finalize the selection of award recipients from the applications that advance to this stage.
The jury will assess applications based on the following criteria:
Originality and Innovation: The proposal should demonstrate a unique perspective and innovative approach to curatorial practice. We are looking for projects that push boundaries and offer fresh insights into contemporary issues in art and culture.
Relevance and Impact: The project should address significant themes or questions within the field of contemporary art. Consideration will be given to how the proposed exhibition or research contributes to broader cultural dialogues and its potential impact on audiences and communities.
Feasibility and Planning: The application should clearly outline a realistic timeline and a well-defined plan for executing the project. This includes identifying necessary resources, potential collaborators, and how the fellowship will facilitate the successful realization of the proposed project.
The application deadline is 11:59 PM EDT on April 13, 2026. No applications will be accepted after this date. All applicants will receive an automatic email response after completing their application.
Results are expected to be announced by June 15, 2026, and only awarded fellows will receive notifications via email. We appreciate your understanding and ask that you refrain from contacting the office before this date or if you do not receive a notification by then. Thank you!
No application fee required.
The Eden Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) arts organization devoted to the advancement of contemporary artists and curators. With a steadfast commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices within the arts, the foundation nurtures diverse artistic expressions and encourages innovative experimentation through its annual Artists Now Award and Curatorial Research Fellowship, along with a range of educational and community-based initiatives.