Space118 Art Foundation Curatorial Research Grant, 2026

  • Space118 Art Foundation Curatorial Research Grant, 2026

    Space118 Art Foundation is pleased to announce the first-ever open call for the Space118 Art Foundation Curatorial Research Grant, 2026.

     

    Application Deadline: 20th December 2025, 12:00 pm. Submissions received after this time will not be accepted.

     

    About the Space118 Art Foundation Curatorial Research Grant, 2026:

    The Space118 Art Foundation Curatorial Research Grant, 2026 is a unique opportunity for curators invested in expanding the discourse around Indian contemporary art through sustained research and international exchange. Designed as a research and travel-based programme, the grant supports curators in exploring diverse art practices, engaging with institutions across India and Sharjah, and developing a curatorial report or intervention.

     

    Space118 Art Foundation’s Curatorial Research Grant, 2026 is developed in collaboration with Sharjah Art Foundation and forms part of the SAF’s Professional Development Programme for emerging curators and art professionals.

     

    Overview:

    Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) has initiated a Professional Development Programme designed for emerging curators and art professionals from organisations and institutions across Africa, Middle East, and Asia. The Programme will centre around SAF’s annual March Meeting beginning in 2026. Grantees will be invited to attend the March Meeting and will be offered access to a tailored programme aimed at supporting their professional development and establishing new peer networks.

     

    Space118 Art Foundation is supporting an invitation for two Indian curators to join this programme. Grantees will be selected through an Open Call.

     

    What does the grant entail?

    • A fully paid research trip for selected applicants to join the Sharjah Art Foundation’s Professional Development Programme and March Meeting (MM) for 7–8 days (25 March - 1st April 2026). 

    • Flights and transportation to the Emirate of Sharjah

    • Accommodation and food

    • A daily stipend 

    • Access to Sharjah Art Foundation’s extensive institutional networks and resources

     

    Programme Highlights:

    March Meeting is an annual convening of art professionals and institutions conceived to foster networking, connection and the exchange of ideas and expertise. Taking place over three to five days, this rich annual programme is more intimate than a formal conference, with the scholarly rigour of a symposium alongside informal opportunities for gathering and critical reflection.

      

    March Meeting characteristically includes the following elements:

    • Conference, including keynotes, panel discussions, lectures and conversations

    • Breakout and workshop sessions

    • Lunches, dinners and networking opportunities

    • Film screenings, performances and music events

    • Reading rooms and book display

      

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Indian nationals holding an Indian passport
    • Professionals with 5–10 years of curatorial experience
    • No age limit

     

    Required Documents:

    In order to apply for the grant, the following documents need to be submitted to Space118 Art Foundation:

    • Your CV / resume (not more than 1000 words)

    • A digital scan of your Indian passport (front and back pages)

    • Your statement of motivation and potential contribution (500 words)

    • Your portfolio: A copy of the most relevant materials for past curatorial activities including exhibitions and essays (at max. 10 pages)

    • Two letters of recommendation from peers/ gallerists/ fellow curators of legitimate institutes in the art industry. The letters must have the name of the referee, their email ID, mobile number (optional).

     

    All the above documents must be submitted in English and all attachments should be in PDF format, in one single email. Each pdf must be named appropriately. Multiple emails are not encouraged.

     

    The email subject should be: Name of applicant, Name of the Grant. For example: Disha Nagda, Space118 Art Foundation Curatorial Research Grant, 2026.

     

     

    What Grantees Can Expect:

    • Orientation and Welcome 

    Introduction to SAF exhibitions, artist studios, and residency spaces.

    Guided overview of Sharjah.

    Welcome dinner and networking session with peers and SAF community.

     

    • March Meeting 

    Access to keynotes, discussions, and workshops.

    Facilitated introductions to MM speakers and participants of interest.

    Opportunities to engage with leading voices in contemporary art and culture.

     

    • Professional Mentoring Sessions

    One-on-one and group professional mentoring sessions

    Flexible sessions with SAF departments, including curatorial practices, publications, collections, production and installation, collections protocols and care, learning and community engagement, communications, music, and performance.

     

    • Institutional Visits and Networking

    Guided visits to key art spaces and organisations in Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, such as Jameel Arts Centre, Alserkal Avenue (The Third Line, Grey Noise, Green Art Gallery, Ishara Art Foundation, Alserkal Arts Foundation), Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYUAD Gallery, Warehouse 421, and others.

     

    • Community and Ongoing Support

    Dedicated programme staff for guidance and facilitation throughout the programme

    Peer-to-peer exchange with a cohort of 15-20 grantees.

    Opportunities to present experiences back in their home cities and/or institutions.

     

    Timeline:

    •  Application Opens: December 1, 2025

    • Application Deadline: December 20, 2025, 12:00 pm

    • Announcement of Results: January 2026

    • Zoom presentation to SAF and Space118 Art Foundation: Early July 2026

    • Workshop date (at IAF) - February 2027

     

    Notification:

    • Shortlisted candidates may be asked to present their proposals to the panel.

    • Final selection will be made by Space118 Art Foundation. The decision is final and non-negotiable.

    • Incomplete proposals or ineligible applicants will be disregarded.

    • Successful candidates will be notified individually by email in January 2026, and the results will also be posted on our official website.

    •  Please note that the grant does not guarantee the visa approval of the nominees.


    Post-Grant Requirement:

    Report
    For administrative purposes, grantees will be required to submit a written report (individual or group) focused on the March Meeting and their experience (up to 2000 words). To be submitted to Space118 Art Foundation and Sharjah Art Foundation by June 2026.

     

    Interim Presentation
    Following the submission of the written report, the grantee is expected to present their learnings from the March Meeting in Zoom presentation with members from both organisations attending, in July 2026.

     

    Public Workshop
    Grantees are expected to conduct a 1–2-day workshop at India Art Fair in Delhi, 2027 for a group of 15-20 curators. The format and duration will be based on the project's nature. Information about the workshop should be shared with Space118 Art Foundation in advance. This workshop will be free of cost to attendees, but limited by capacity, decided by the India Art Fair team.

     

    The workshop should include:

    • Sharing of project experience

    • Display of photographs and videos

    • A practical session for aspiring curators

     

    To apply, please send your application email and the above documents to space118grant@gmail.com  

     

    For any questions, clarifications or queries, please read our FAQ’s. For any inquiries not addressed in the FAQ section, please contact space118grant@gmail.com 

    About Space118 Art Foundation:

    Founded in 2009, Space118 was established with the goal of providing short-term grants, studio practice, residencies, and mentorship sessions for artists nationally, and internationally. Space118 was an alternative universe and playground for various multidisciplinary artists, encouraging them to collaborate and explore the avenues of more unique and experimental works.

     

    Over the years it evolved to become a laboratory of ideas, and a testing ground for new thoughts and actions where the possibility of failure became an opportunity for artistic growth. With the advent of the global covid crisis in 2020, we shifted our focus from offering a physical project space to a more virtually accessible platform to Indian artists. Digitally enabling and supporting the creation of new works allowed for the testing of ideas, mentoring, creative programming and online community engagement via the Space118 Fine Arts Grant. With continued support to multidisciplinary artists, Space118 provides access to digital and online resources regardless of physical and cultural barriers.

     

    About Sharjah Art Foundation:

    Sharjah Art Foundation is an advocate, catalyst and producer of contemporary art within the Emirate of Sharjah and the surrounding region, in dialogue with the international arts community. The Foundation advances an experimental and wide-ranging programmatic model that supports the production and presentation of contemporary art, preserves and celebrates the distinct culture of the region and encourages a shared understanding of the transformational role of art.

     

    The Foundation’s core initiatives include the long-running Sharjah Biennial, featuring contemporary artists from around the world; the annual March Meeting, a convening of international arts professionals and artists; grants and residencies for artists, curators and cultural producers; ambitious and experimental commissions; and a range of travelling exhibitions and scholarly publications.