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Duration
Oct. 01 - Dec. 12, 2025
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*Participation is by application only. Selection for the current edition closed on September 15th.
The Curatorial Foundations Program is developed in collaboration between Node Center and the Sikka Platform. It is designed for aspiring curators who are ready to take their first professional step into the world of exhibition making.
Over ten weeks, you’ll engage in a practical, hands-on curriculum that prepares you with the essential skills and knowledge to confidently begin your curatorial journey. You will learn how to develop and present an exhibition built on a solid, ethical, and coherent foundation—equipping you to enter the field with both confidence and professionalism.
The program covers key curatorial skills: shaping a concept, selecting artists, planning and designing an exhibition, collaborating with partners, and promoting the final show. By the end, you will complete a fully developed curatorial proposal rooted in your own interests and vision. This proposal can serve as the basis for a real exhibition or as a strong portfolio piece for future opportunities.
Module 1: Welcome and Introduction
Oct 1 & 2
Introduction to the program and platform
What does it mean to be a curator today? Roles and responsibilities
The lifecycle of an exhibition
Module 2: The Heart of Your Exhibition – The Curatorial Concept.
Oct 6, 8, 9 & 10
What is a curatorial concept and how do you begin?
Introduction to curatorial research
Writing your curatorial text
Outcome: A written curatorial concept
Module 3: Selecting Artists and Artworks
Oct 14, 16 & 17
Where and how to find artists
Key criteria for selecting artworks
Review and refine your selection
Outcome: A presentation with selected works and artists' names
Module 4: Exhibition Spaces and Approaching Collaborators.
Oct 20, 21, 22 & 23
How to find a suitable space
How to contact potential venues
Building a curatorial portfolio
Key considerations for collaboration
Outcome: Initial project portfolio and email drafts for space and artist outreach
Module 5: Planning Your Exhibition
Oct 29, 30 & 31
Technical and logistical needs
Building an exhibition budget
Requesting quotes and setting fees
Creating an exhibition production timeline
Outcome: Exhibition Budget
Module 6: Exhibition Design *Onsite
Nov 3, 4 & 5
Exhibition design theory
Spatial analysis and site visits
Building the narrative of the exhibition
Display strategies
Lighting, ambiance, and floor plan design
Outcome: Exhibition floor plan and spatial narrative
Module 7: Working with Artists and Preparing the Artworks.
Nov 11, 13 & 14
Artist collaborations and communication
Reviewing portfolios and studio visit strategies
Insurances and contracts
Ethics in curating and professionalism
Outcome: Contract drafts
Module 8: Installation and Artwork Care
Nov 18, 19, 20 & 21
Installation planning and team coordination
Transport logistics and art handling basics
Installation protocols and unpacking
Wall texts and artwork labels
Outcome: Finalized installation timeline
Module 9: Exhibition Promotion and Visibility
Nov 25, 27 & 28
Promotion channels and tools
Creating a promotion plan
How to communicate your exhibition
Writing a press release and press kit
Outcome: Promotion list and press kit
Module 10: Opening and Closing the Exhibition
Dec 9, 11 & 12
Opening preparations
Documentation and photography
Deinstallation and returning artworks
Final tasks and closing accounts
Program wrap-up
Outcome: Finalized Exhibition Proposal
Closed captioning will be available during the video conference.
An Paenhuysen
Daria Ivnitsky
Fabiana Dicuonzo
Nora Mayr
Sabrina Basten
Tom Koch
Tšhegofatšo Mabaso
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