Title:
KADIST Paris Curatorial Fellowship
Deadline:
12 p.m. (CEST) 15 September 2025
Announcement Date:
not mentioned
Announcement Method:
not mentioned
Organization:
KADIST
With a collection of over 2,500 works by 1,500 artists from 120 countries and a network of advisors and staff spanning five continents, KADIST is an international, network-driven contemporary art organization. We support a decentralized field of contemporary art by co-producing exhibitions, public programs, online platforms, and other initiatives in collaboration with leading museums, cultural institutions, and independent practitioners across the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We are dedicated to exhibiting the work of contemporary artists and fostering cross-cultural exchanges rooted in the experience of art as a tool for critical inquiry and social advocacy.
Founded Year:
2015
Language:
Français or English
Duration:
18 months starting from January 2026
Application Guidelines:
To apply for the KADIST Paris Curatorial Fellowship, interested candidates should prepare the following materials in a single PDF (in English, file name starting with their last name in CAPS) and submit them via this link. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit complementary information to their proposal.
– Name & Contact Information
– Exhibition & Public Programs Proposal (max 2 pages). Share your initial ideas and preliminary checklist with KADIST artists for an exhibition and a few public events that engage with the 2026 editorial framework, “Land Work, Land Rights.” A rough budget or note on potential additional funding is welcome, but not required. We understand your proposal may evolve–we’re most interested in your vision and curatorial approach.
– Curatorial Statement (max 1 page): Describe your curatorial practice, research interests, and approach to collaboration.
– Motivation (max 1 page): Why are you applying for this fellowship? What draws you to KADIST and to this opportunity in Paris?
– Up to Five Relevant Past Projects (max 7 pages). You may submit up to five examples of previous work (e.g., exhibitions, programs, publications). These can be formatted documents or simply links with short descriptions, whichever best reflects your practice.
– List of three referees with whom you have cooperated in the last five years (name, position, contact information)
– CV and/or Short Biography (including links to published articles (in English or French))
Eligibility:
We welcome applications from critics, writers, curators, artistic directors, researchers, and cultural practitioners who:
– Demonstrate a solid understanding of the Parisian cultural and social landscape.
– Have strong connections to one or more non-Western cultures.
– Have familiarity or interest in the editorial framework “Land Work, Land Rights”.
– Demonstrate the ability to shape cultural conversations and engage audiences through innovative exhibition-making and public programming that address pressing societal issues.
– Have a track record of interdisciplinary collaboration across fields such as cinema, literature, dance, philosophy, and activism.
– Bring a good understanding of transnational artistic dialogues and experience working across cultural contexts.
– Demonstrate strong organizational, collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to deliver programming and partnerships on time and with care.
– Thrive in a globally connected, research-driven, and collaborative environment.
– Are committed to fostering cultural exchange and long-term dialogue.
– Are fluent in French and English.
This part-time, 18-month opportunity, starting in 2026, offers professional experience and the chance to join the KADIST Paris team and to work closely with guest curators, and advisors from KADIST’s international network as well as with partner organizations in Paris. Designed for a professional interested in working across disciplines, cultures, and scales, the fellowship encourages experimentation and critical reflection while offering meaningful engagement with KADIST’s team and evolving program.
Rewards:
not mentioned
Outcome:
1. Programs (1 exhibition + ~6 public programs per year)
– Curate one exhibition that relates to the annual theme “Land Work, Land Rights” and draws primarily from the KADIST collection (planned for fall 2026).
– Contribute curatorial research, feedback and support to the (guest) curator(s) of the other exhibitions presented during the fellowship period.
– Develop and organize public events that deepen the annual theme, ideally in conversation with the exhibitions. This may include talks, screenings, performances, and interdisciplinary formats (other proposals welcome) at our venue. Some events may be developed with partner organizations, guest curators, and advisors to diversify audiences and enhance public events. Connecting local communities and voices from cinema, literature, philosophy, activism, and beyond to create a dynamic public exchange and discourse about the political, social, and cultural issues is also welcome.
– Host public events at KADIST’s Paris venue and work closely with the team to ensure smooth coordination and a welcoming experience for artists, guests, and audiences.
– Support artists and guests who contribute to the program, including those in residence at our venue.
– Write and edit texts in French or English when necessary.
2. Paris and KADIST’s Global Network
– Join the KADIST Paris team and contribute actively to its daily activities, programs, and operations – including attending team meetings, working collaboratively, and participating in the shared life of the building with colleagues from KADIST, AFIELD, and Tallard.
– Create a welcoming atmosphere, and make time and space for artistic exchange and dialogue, maintaining strong relationships and smooth collaboration with artists, partners, guest curators, KADIST’s network of advisors, and staff.
– Represent KADIST during public events and with partner organizations.
– Collaborate with the Program Manager on program implementation, such as checklists, budgets, artists’ contracts, and communication, and ensure all programs stay within scope.
– Collaborate with the Communications team on the implementation of communication strategies and support related to the programs and the annual theme.
– Organize and give curatorial tours, to be developed and organized in cooperation with the local team and partners.
– Ensure that KADIST Paris’ programs reflect and expand upon collaborations happening across the globe.
– Support and maintain international connections between the Paris art community and KADIST’s network of artists, curators, and advisors.
Selection Procedure:
Selection will be made by a selection committee composed of experts and applicants will be notified by e-mail (scheduled for late November 2025). Please note that inquiries regarding the selection process will not be accepted.
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/kadistkadist/
Application Fees:
not mentioned
Participation Fees:
not mentioned
Residency Fees:
not mentioned
Accommodation Fee:
not metioned
Paid by Artist:
not mentioned
Paid by Host:
not mentioned
Financial Assistance:
An annual budget of up to ~15 000 € for public events and ~25 000 € per exhibition.
All proposed programming and related budgets are subject to review and approval by the KADIST Steering Committee, in alignment with its mission and resource planning.
Fellowships:
A compensation package comprising a total fee of € 30,000 TTC for the 18-month fellowship, disbursed monthly.
Studio / Workspace:
Full access to KADIST’s venue in Paris, including shared office, exhibition, and event spaces.
Accommodation:
Along with free housing (a private apartment, all charges included) in Paris.
Location:
19bis/21 rue des Trois-Frères 75018 Paris
Airport:
L'aéroport de Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG)
Driving Instructions:
not mentioned
Contact Information:
paris@kadist.org
Email:
paris@kadist.org
Phone:
+33 1 42 51 83 49
Website:
https://kadist.org/