London – Art Fund, the national charity for art in the UK, has announced a new five-year initiative aimed at increasing diversity within the curatorial field. The “Empowering Curators” program will provide financial and professional support to mid-career curators from global majority backgrounds, addressing a longstanding lack of representation in UK museums and galleries.
The program, launching this autumn, comes at a time of increased scrutiny regarding equity and inclusion within the arts sector. Whereas conversations around decolonizing museums have gained momentum, progress in diversifying curatorial teams has been sluggish. Art Fund recognizes that systemic barriers often prevent talented curators from global majority backgrounds from reaching their full potential, hindering their career advancement and limiting diverse perspectives in exhibition-making.
Addressing Systemic Barriers in the Curatorial Field
The “Empowering Curators” program will offer a multifaceted approach to support. A key component is a new series of paid curatorial placements at partner institutions across the UK. These placements, lasting between six and twelve months, will provide practical experience and mentorship opportunities. Art Fund will provide a salary for each placement, removing a significant financial barrier to participation. The charity is partnering with a range of museums and galleries, from national institutions to smaller regional venues, to offer diverse placement opportunities.
Beyond the placements, the program will also offer professional development opportunities, including workshops, masterclasses and networking events. These sessions will focus on skills such as fundraising, exhibition planning, and leadership, equipping curators with the tools they require to succeed. A dedicated advisory panel, comprised of experienced curators from global majority backgrounds, will help shape the program and provide guidance to participants.
Financial Support and Mentorship
Financial support extends beyond the placement salaries. Art Fund will also offer grants to cover expenses such as travel, accommodation, and childcare, recognizing that these costs can disproportionately impact curators from underrepresented groups. The program’s emphasis on mentorship is also crucial. Each curator will be paired with a senior figure in the field who can offer advice, support, and advocacy throughout their placement and beyond.
“We know there’s incredible curatorial talent out there, but too often people from global majority backgrounds face barriers to progression,” said Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, in a statement. “This program is about actively removing those barriers and creating opportunities for curators to thrive. We want to observe more diverse voices shaping the stories told in our museums and galleries.”
Selection Process and Eligibility
The selection process for the “Empowering Curators” program will prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong curatorial vision, a commitment to inclusivity, and a clear need for support. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in the arts sector, and be based in the UK. Art Fund is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process, and will work to reach a wide range of potential applicants.
The program’s focus on “global majority” backgrounds is a deliberate choice, reflecting a growing movement to move beyond outdated terminology and center the experiences of those who have historically been marginalized. The term encompasses individuals who identify as African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Indigenous, among other groups. Artforum reports that the program aims to address the underrepresentation of these communities within the UK’s cultural landscape.
Impact and Future Steps
Art Fund hopes that the “Empowering Curators” program will have a lasting impact on the UK’s museum and gallery sector. By increasing the diversity of curatorial teams, the charity aims to foster more inclusive and engaging exhibitions, and to better reflect the diverse communities that museums serve. The program is also intended to serve as a model for other organizations looking to promote diversity and inclusion within the arts.
The first round of placements is expected to start in early 2025. Art Fund will be closely monitoring the program’s progress and evaluating its impact. Further details about the application process and partner institutions will be announced in the coming months. Those interested in learning more can visit the Art Fund website for updates.
The initiative represents a significant investment in the future of the UK’s cultural sector, and a commitment to creating a more equitable and representative arts landscape. The next key milestone will be the announcement of the participating museums and galleries in late 2024, followed by the opening of applications for the first cohort of curators.
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