We are delighted to open applications today for Jerwood Curatorial Accelerator (JCA), a new 12-month programme to support ten early-career curators from working class/low socio-economic backgrounds to develop their networks, skills, and leadership ambitions. The programme is designed to support individuals who are in the early stages of their career, have curating at the heart of their practice, and are looking to take the next step in their career.
From July 2022 to July 2023, the selected JCA Fellows will travel to eight Host organisations across the UK for behind-the-scenes insights into their curatorial approach, artist communities and civic role; take part in an online curatorial and leadership development programme; and benefit from individual mentoring. The programme aims to equip them with the networks, skills, and knowledge to enable them to fulfil their ambitions and play a part in the future of the visual arts sector.
The Hosts – Centre for Contemporary Art, Derry ̴Londonderry, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, Peak Cymru, Somerset House, Turner Contemporary and Yorkshire Sculpture International – will offer access to a breath of approaches to curatorial practice and place, as well as being organisations of different scales and types based in locations across the UK. Each Host will create a two-day programme with the JCA Fellows to introduce them to their work, networks, and communities, creating a space for exchange and shared learning around different aspects of curating today. Visits may develop conversations about opening collections, working in post-conflict contexts, curating with community groups, working with rural infrastructure, the role of writing, and opportunities around civic placemaking; as well as including artist studio visits and networking. More information about the Host organisations can be found here.
In addition to visiting the Hosts, the fully funded programme provides:
- Access to an online programme of curatorial and leadership workshops
- A dedicated mentor
- A network of peers
- Access support
- A £4,000 bursary
Applications are now open with a deadline of 5pm, Tuesday 3 May 2022.
The application guidance is available in English and Welsh as well as a range of accessible formats including Easy Read and BSL, and applications can be made via a written application form, or audio or video recording. Support with application making is available from the Jerwood Arts team, and we are also able to pay for support workers. There will be an online event at 12pm, Tuesday 12 April 2022 for potential applicants to find out more and ask questions.
Full details on how to apply and the access support available can be found here.
Jerwood Curatorial Accelerator (JCA) is designed and delivered by Jerwood Arts, with funding from Arts Council England’s Transforming Leadership Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and Art Fund support. Host partners include Centre for Contemporary Art, Derry ̴Londonderry, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, Peak Cymru, Somerset House, Turner Contemporary and Yorkshire Sculpture International.
Find out more
Apply for Jerwood Curatorial Accelerator here.
Watch the recording of an online event from Tuesday 12 April 2022 discussing curatorial careers and frequently asked questions about JCA here.
Read more about Jerwood Curatorial Accelerator here.
Sign up to our newsletter for future updates here.
