National Gallery of Canada Expands Curatorial Fellowship Program for Black Canadian Emerging Curators
Event summary
- The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) is accepting applications for the second edition of its Curatorial Fellowship Program, a one-year, part-time paid opportunity for emerging Black Canadian curators.
- The program is a collaboration between NGC, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), and the Ottawa Black Art Kollective (OBAK).
- The fellowship offers hands-on curatorial experience, mentorship, and professional development across two institutions.
- The selected fellow will work on exhibition development, research, and public programming.
- Applications are open until April 28, 2026, with the fellowship beginning on May 11, 2026.
The big picture
The expansion of the Curatorial Fellowship Program underscores a growing trend in the arts sector towards inclusivity and professional development for underrepresented groups. By leveraging the expertise of NGC, OAG, and OBAK, the program aims to enrich the national arts ecology and foster meaningful engagement with local communities. This initiative aligns with broader industry efforts to promote equity and anti-racism through art.
What we're watching
- Program Impact
- How the fellowship will influence the representation and visibility of Black Canadian curators in the national arts ecology.
- Institutional Collaboration
- Whether the partnership between NGC, OAG, and OBAK can serve as a model for other cultural institutions aiming to foster diversity.
- Long-term Sustainability
- The pace at which the program can expand beyond the National Capital Region to other parts of Canada.