waterford arts

OPEN CALL: GOMA WATERFORD EMERGING CURATOR AWARD 2026 

Deadline for applications: 18th November 2025 at 5pm

GOMA Gallery of Modern Art Waterford is inviting applications for our 2026 Emerging Curator Award.

The Emerging Curator Award is designed to provide a platform for emerging curators to research, prepare, and present a month-long exhibition at GOMA Gallery, Waterford in 2026. This paid opportunity is open to emerging curators that have knowledge and experience of contemporary visual arts in Ireland and beyond.

The successful candidate will work closely with the GOMA team to realise the exhibition, receiving support throughout the process.

The curator will be expected to build on GOMA’s existing networks and also develop new connections. They will manage all aspects of the exhibition and associated events, with support from the GOMA team. This includes artist research and selection, exhibition logistics, budget management, compiling marketing and communications materials, and the organisation of at least one public event or workshop as part of an inclusive engagement approach with diverse communities.

(Please note: Artists do not need to be formally confirmed before submitting your proposal; however, we strongly advise having an agreement in principle in place.)

GOMA’s exhibition policy is available on request from submissionsgomawaterford@gmail.com

𝐆𝐎𝐌𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭:

• A €2,500 curatorial fee
• Separate exhibiting artists’ fees
• A month long exhibition slot in 2026
• PR, marketing and administrative support
• Assistance with invite design and promo material
• Technical installation support and curatorial support from the team
• A public dialogue event specific to the exhibition

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲:

Please submit your application by email in a single PDF document. This should include a CV and a proposal of up to 700 words outlining your curatorial rationale or approach, accompanied by a maximum of six images.

Please title your email: “Emerging Curator Award 2026”.

Proposals should be emailed to submissionsgomawaterford@gmail.com by 5pm on 18th November 2025.
Further info: https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=1500&r=show&u=https%3A%2F%2Fgomawaterford.ie%2Fworkshops%2Fopen-call-2026-emerging-curator-award%2F&t=37a15a5b0ca67166878b765fcfad65760b8fff4e