Curatorial Research Fellowships
Supports nonprofit arts organizations to sponsor curators for in-depth research and development of innovative visual arts projects focusing on original or understudied topics.
Funder: The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline; projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per award; covers research and development expenses for projects with at least a two-year timeline.
Summary: Supports 501c3 arts organizations in sponsoring curators to develop innovative, original visual arts projects through research funding.
Key Information: No salary replacement or course release for academics; projects must manifest at least two years after award.
Description
This fellowship program provides support to 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations to sponsor curators at any career stage—regardless of institutional affiliation—for research and development of exhibitions, public-facing projects, or other visual arts-based initiatives. The focus is on projects that will take at least two years to realize after the grant is awarded and that make original contributions to contemporary visual arts discourse. Proposals should present a clear research topic, situate it within historical and contemporary art contexts, and often emphasize understudied or experimental artists and topics.
The grant covers the research phase only, supporting costs such as travel, convening experts, research assistance, and access to materials. Salary replacement or course release for academics is not allowed.
