Deadline: January 18, 2026
Applications for the Art Exchange: Moving Image Programme 2026 are now open. Art Exchange: Moving Image is a collaborative, cross-cultural curatorial development programme designed to strengthen the practice of early to mid-career visual arts curators from Sub-Saharan Africa who are engaging with moving image as a medium. The programme focuses on building curatorial confidence, fostering critical dialogue, expanding international networks, and supporting curators to realise moving image exhibitions in their local contexts.
Supported by the British Council, and delivered by Breinstorm Brand Architects, a strategic design and storytelling firm, and IQOQO, a digital platform connecting creative and cultural sector professionals, the Art Exchange: Moving Image programme combines mentorship, skills development, and curatorial experimentation across African and UK contexts. Up to six curators will be selected to participate in a structured, year-long programme that offers personalised mentorship, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and a fully funded research trip to the UK. Participants will gain access to moving image works from the British Council Collection and receive financial and logistical support to develop and present a final exhibition in their home country.
Benefits
As part of the programme, the participants will:
- Join a cohort of 6 peer curators from across the continent
- Work with an internationally recognised public art collection
- Participate in an online programme: receive bespoke mentoring and professional development and support from industry leaders
- Residency: attend a fully funded research trip in the UK in May 2026 (provisional dates 15 – 25 May 2026)
- Showcase: receive a grant to deliver an exhibition and programme for their local audiences, of artworks from local artists and the British Council Art Collection. (subject to approved proposals and due diligence checks)
- Engage: alongside their exhibitions, each curator will deliver a public programme or workshop element for and inclusive of the local artistic community (e.g. artists, practitioners, venues)
- Network and collaborate: build their networks across Sub-Saharan Africa and with artists and peers in the UK
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 18+
- Be based in: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe
- Not be enrolled in full- or part-time formal education
- Be an early to mid-career visual arts curator (see definitions below)
- Be proficient in English
- Have a demonstrated interest in working with the moving image
- This programme is not open to artists
- Currently hold a valid passport, valid until 30 November 2026
- Be available to travel to the UK in May 2026 (provisional dates 15 – 25 May 2026) Be available to make a UK visa application (with support) between February and April 2026
Curators can mean: exhibition-makers, producers, practitioners, programmers who work in the visual arts space. i.e. Visual Arts practitioners, artists and designers who have put together displays, exhibitions, representations and/or convenings around the work of other visual artists for an audience.
Application
When submitting the online application form you will need to upload:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Curatorial proposal (max 2 pages)
- Signed letter of support from your proposed exhibition host venue
For more information, visit Art Exchange: Moving Image.
