Presented by _OFCOLOR in partnership with the Austin Public Library (APL)
Application Period: November 7 – December 7, 2025, 11:59pm
Residency Dates: January – July 2026
The _OFCOLOR x Austin Public Library Curation Fellowship is a seven-month program designed to support emerging and community-based curators interested in developing exhibitions, public programs, and creative projects that connect art and audiences in meaningful ways.
Fellows will receive professional mentorship, monthly workshops, and access to exhibition opportunities at the Austin Central Library. The program emphasizes collaboration, storytelling, and the role of curators as cultural translators who help shape how communities experience art and ideas.
About the Residency
The selected Emerging Curator will:
- Collaborate with Mentoring Curators to develop and present an original exhibition at APL.
- Assist in organizing and presenting ongoing exhibitions at APL.
- Contribute to the planning of educational initiatives, public programs, and engagement strategies that encourage creative exchange and audience participation.
- Explore tools, templates, and funding strategies that support sustainable public programming.
- Gain direct mentorship from experienced curators and arts professionals through monthly workshops and hands-on projects.
Who Should Apply:
This fellowship is ideal for artists, cultural organizers, community builders, and early-career curators who want to learn how to design, organize, and produce exhibitions or creative programs. You do not need prior curatorial experience — just a strong creative perspective and an interest in connecting art, culture, and community.
What Does “Curatorial” Mean?
In this context, “curatorial” refers to the creative process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting artworks or ideas for public presentation. Curators are storytellers and bridge-builders — they bring artists, audiences, and ideas together to spark dialogue, reflection, and connection.
Support & Resources
- Stipend: $1,000 provided by the Curation Fellowship team.
- Staff Support: Guidance and mentorship from OFCOLOR and APL teams.
- Professional Development: Access to workshops, critiques, and project feedback.
- Promotional Support: Assistance with marketing and exhibition visibility through APL and OFCOLOR platforms.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to emerging curators who demonstrate a commitment to curatorial innovation, community engagement, and inclusive arts programming.
Ideal candidates will have:
- Interest in experimental exhibition-making and socially engaged art.
- A passion for amplifying diverse perspectives and cultural narratives.
- A desire to build professional experience in a public arts setting.
Residency Participation Requirements
- Commit to attending all monthly meetings and public workshops between January and June 2026 (monthly meetings held on the 4th Thursday of each month, 3-5 hours)
- Be willing to collaborate with APL and _OFCOLOR staff.
- Participate in scheduled office hours and planning sessions with mentors.
- Contribute to final group exhibition and one community activation during the fellowship period.
- Have the ability to apply as a vendor with the City of Austin (upon acceptance into the program).
- Be based in the Austin metro area.
Application Components
Applications must be submitted between November 7 and December 7, 2025, through the Submittable online application portal.
Please include the following materials:
1. Curatorial Bio – Please share a short (150–200 words) curatorial bio describing your background, interests, and approach to organizing or conceptualizing exhibitions, public programs, or creative experiences. You may include prior projects, artistic influences, or community collaborations that inform your perspective as a curator and how your approach aligns with OFCOLOR and APL’s missions.
2. Project Interest Statement -Describe what topics, communities, or artistic ideas you’d like to explore during the fellowship.
3. (Optional) Work Samples - Upload up to three images or documents that illustrate your previous creative, curatorial, or community-based work.
4. (Optional) Website or Social Media Links showcasing your curatorial or creative practice.
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Important Dates
- Applications Open: November 7, 2025
- Deadline: December 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM (CT)
- Panel Review Period: December 9 – December 20, 2025
- Selection Notification: December 23, 2025
- Onboarding & Orientation Session: January 5, 2026
- Kickoff Reception: January 22, 2026
- Monthly Fellowship Sessions: February – June 2026
- Final Exhibition & Presentations: July 2026
Selection Process
Selections will be made by a panel of local curators and arts professionals.
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Clarity and originality of curatorial vision
- Demonstrated interest in community-oriented practice
- Potential for professional growth through the residency
- Community and Cultural Relevance
Contact
For questions about the application process or residency details, please contact:
_OFCOLOR
📧 aplfellowship@ofcolor.org