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.

     

    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.

      

    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.

     

  • 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.

  • CURATORIAL RESEARCH GRANT AWARDEES 2026