2027 Early-Career Curator Program

Fugitives, Curated by Levent Can Kaya with artists Sydney Jarrett, Tabitha Lean, Zeinab Mahfoud & Jahkarli Felicitas Romanis 2025 Photograph by: Jessica Maurer

Our curator program is designed to support early-career arts workers and curators to deliver professional exhibitions.

successful applicants receive:

• $1,500 curator/s fee per exhibition;

• $750 artist fee per artist capped at $3,750;

  all of the above fees will have an addition of 12% Superannuation to your super account

• Access to Travel Fund up to $1,000 if regional or interstate based

• A fully subsidised six-week exhibition in Gallery 1;

• Access to Firstdraft’s equipment and resources;

• Marketing and communications support, including professional documentation;

• An opening night event and an artist/s talk;

• Professional exhibition invigilation.

Your Proposal

In a single PDF document, prepare the following (or use our template)
We will also accept a 5-minute audio or video file with appropriate support material attached

• Links to social media/website (optional)

• About your experience: Curatorial CV or Short professional bio (max 250 words)

• About the artists in your project: Short artist statements or bios (max 250 words)

• About your project: Exhibition Proposal (max 300 words)

• Support images: up to 10 Images of work

how to apply?

• Read the program guide

• Prepare all the information prior to commencing the application form

• The application form supports file uploads up to 10MB

• Complete the application form and enter any information or details requested about you or any collaborators/participants included in your proposal.

key dates

Callout opens
Wednesday 17th June 2026 10:00AM

Last day to request application support
 Friday 17th July 2026 by 5:00PM

Callout closes
Wednesday 22 July 11:59 pm

If you would like a simplified form, need support applying, or if you have a disability that requires adjustment to the application process or an alternative application pathway, please contact: info@firstdraft.org.au or phone: (02) 8970 2999 by 5:00pm 17th July 2026

Please note that our simplified form does not provide explanations or instructions. Be sure to read program guides carefully when applying.

helpful links