BAN/YCBA Curatorial Forum 2025
New Haven and New York, October 2025
Application deadline: Monday 3 March 2025 at 5pm GMT
Are you actively curating art – whether in a museum, gallery or heritage context, or as an artist-researcher or freelancer? Are you currently based in the UK, or in North or South America – including the Caribbean?
Does your research practice engage with the art and history of Britain, in the context of the Atlantic World, African Diaspora, and/or Empire and its legacies?
Do you want to spend time exploring collections and curating, sharing your experiences and engaging in forward-looking debate?
If the answer to these questions is “yes”, then you will be interested to know that the British Art Network (BAN) is running an opportunity just for you.
Applications are now open for a residential 10-day Curatorial Forum to take place in the US from Sunday 5 October – Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Organised by the British Art Network (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art and Tate) and the Yale Center for British Art (YCBA), the Forum will be based at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, and will bring together a select group of up to 8 people from a range of backgrounds and working contexts, and at different stages of their careers. Scheduled to coincide with a major exhibition of the work of Hew Locke at the YCBA, the Forum is intended as an opportunity to share experiences and thinking from a range of perspectives – across national, organisational and professional boundaries. We are hoping, specifically, to include individuals with different experiences of working in British, US and Caribbean contexts, with the Hew Locke show and YCBA collections providing a focus for reflection and exchange.
WHAT WILL THE PROGRAMME INVOLVE?
The Forum will be a unique chance to explore the histories, present experiences and futures of curating, make new professional connections, and enjoy exceptional access to collections and resources with behind-the scenes tours and introductions to established curators, thinkers and art-world leaders.
“Being able to discuss key curatorial questions with such a diverse group in terms of institutional background and geographic location is something that simply cannot be recreated outside of such a forum” (Forum Member 2023)
Based in New Haven and New York, the programme will include gallery visits, workshop sessions and field trips, as well as time to socialise, reflect and undertake personal research. The programme has been scheduled to coincide with the Hew Locke and William Blake exhibitions at the Yale Center for British Art.
“To be amongst a group of international curators, who do not know you, your reputation or experience, and for your opinions and perspectives to be so valued and engaged, was very affirming” (Forum Member 2023)
The selected participants will be brought together online in May 2025 to review and contribute to the final programme design.
ACCESS & FUNDING
The Curatorial Forum will be held in person in New Haven and New York and participants will need to travel to the US. Funding is provided to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and subsistence throughout the programme. Participants not in regular employment can apply for additional financial support. We can also offer financial support and guidance through the process of applying for appropriate visas. Please see more information in the FAQ section.
Separate funding is available to support successful applicants with their access needs. Examples of what this might cover are a sign language interpreter, use of a quiet space, companion costs or specific transport requirements. Please see the FAQ section for further information.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We want to bring together individuals with a wide range of professional and personal experiences, based primarily either in the UK or North or South America, including the Caribbean.
You can apply at any stage of your career (emerging curator, mid-career or established) or if you are changing careers.
You can apply if you are in full-time or part-time employment, between employment or working as a freelancer.
You will need to join the British Art Network to apply. Membership of the Network is free and always open to everyone who is actively engaged in British art curating (including the British Empire and its legacies). If you are interested in becoming a member, see the application form here.
HOW TO APPLY
For eligibility and other questions see the FAQs below, or contact the Networks Manager at the Paul Mellon Centre, Kaissa Karhu ([email protected]) or the British Art Network Convenor, Martin Myrone ([email protected]).
You will need to submit the following documents to [email protected] by Monday 3 March 2025 at 5pm GMT.
- A completed application form, downloaded from here
- Your summary CV (no more than 2 pages)
- An employer’s letter of support (where relevant), downloaded from here
If you would like to apply in another format, such as video or audio, this is also welcomed. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this.
We expect to notify applicants if they have been shortlisted by Monday 17 March 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews which we expect to take place online w/c Monday 24 March 2025.
DOWNLOADS
Frequently Asked Questions
-
I have a disability/caring responsibilities/access requirements and might need extra support to participate – can you give more information on how you’ll make this possible?
The British Art Network team are committed to ensuring this opportunity is open and accessible to all, and there is budget in place for access needs. We champion the social model of disability, and BAN will ensure that all activities in the programme take place in accessible spaces. If you are unsure whether our provision will cover your needs, we would be very happy to have a chat with you to discuss how support could be planned and put your mind at ease. We appreciate such conversations can be difficult to have and promise to keep any information shared fully confidential and it will not impact your application. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to talk this through with a member of our team.
-
What is the time commitment for this programme?
This is a residential programme based in the US between Sunday 5 October and Wednesday 15 October 2025. There will be workshops and visits throughout each day, as well as some evening activities. Participants are expected to attend in full. There will be planned opportunities for private research time and rest across the week, but if you have any specific concerns about the programme, please contact us.
-
How do you define British art?
The Network has an expansive and open approach to definitions of British art. We would be open to applications from anyone who feels that their professional/creative practice engages with, illuminates, or interrogates the question of ‘British art’ as a category actively produced through art historical, museological and cultural and artistic practices.
-
Do I need to be a curator to apply?
The Network promotes curatorial research, practice, and theory in the field of British art, and we champion an expansive definition of curatorial practice. Our members include curators, academics, artist-researchers, conservators, producers, and programmers at all stages of their professional lives. We recognise that many different people are involved in curatorial work, including many who do not have ‘curator’ in their job title. If you have professional and creative experience which you feel is relevant in addressing these topics, and you are involved in working practically with exhibitions, collections, or heritage, you should feel able to apply for this opportunity.
-
I’m not yet a member of the British Art Network – can I still apply?
This opportunity is open to all members of the British Art Network, whenever they have joined. We are always looking to expand and diversify our membership and very much welcome applications from people new to the Network. Joining the British Art Network is free, and it includes the opportunity to join Research Groups, attend seminars, workshops, and conferences, receive communications, and apply for other Network bursaries and support. Apply to join the Network here.
-
Does it matter where I am based?
The 2025 curatorial programme is designed to bring together individuals based both in the UK and in the Americas, creating the chance for dialogue and exchange reflecting these cultural and professional contexts. As part of the application process, we will ask you to confirm that you are primarily based in the UK or in North or South America, including the Caribbean, at the present time.
-
I’m currently in employment – do I need permission from my employer to participate?
If you currently have an employer, you may want to obtain their permission before applying for the Curatorial Forum, if your participation would be considered part of your work. We can provide a form for employers to express support and highlight any potential challenges, which you can include with your application.
-
I don’t have a job currently / I am a freelancer – can I still apply?
We want to bring together individuals with a wide range of professional experiences, and this includes people who are freelance/independent or currently not in employment. If you are not currently working, we still encourage you to apply if you feel you have experience and interests relevant to the programme.
-
Will I need a visa for entry to the US?
Depending on the passport you will be travelling on, you may be able to enter the US through the Visa-Waver Program and apply for an ESTA. This requires applicants to complete a short online form and pay a small processing fee (which we will reimburse). The list of eligible countries is available on the US State Department Visa-Waiver Program page.
If you are travelling on a passport issued by a country that is not on the Visa-Waiver Program list, then you must secure a J-1 visa to enter the US. You should consult the US State Department website for information about visas.
We will assist you with the visa process and will cover the administrative fees associated with acquiring a visa, but we cannot guarantee that your application will be successful or that it will be granted in time for you to participate in the Curatorial Forum.
-
Do I need travel and health insurance?
You are responsible for arranging and paying for your own health, accident and travel insurance while in the US. Please be sure to take out adequate coverage before you embark on your journey. If this is a hardship, please do get in touch with us to discuss.
-
Do I need to speak fluent English for this programme?
The programme will be conducted in English. If you have any concerns about this, please contact us prior to your application.
