Curation, from Latin: cura, meaning 'to take care of, look after’.

Noun: the process of selecting artistic/creative work, performers or performances to be shared as part of a show, exhibition or event. 

The Young Curators programme is an opportunity for six young creatives to work with and learn from leading industry professionals and artists to explore contemporary curation and work towards a commission at Aviva Studios in 2028. Throughout the programme you will participate in workshops, talks and programming to expand your curatorial knowledge, develop key skills, and grow your confidence and networks. 

As a young curator you will bring new insights and perspectives challenging current curatorial practice and directly influence how Factory International engage younger audiences in their programming and commissioning. 

This project seeks to address the underrepresentation of young people in curation and the arts more broadly. We encourage young people with an interest in art, culture and curation, or experience of organising a creative project or event that engaged the public. You might be curious about how creative work is selected, presented and experienced by audiences, and have ideas about what curation could look like. Your experience can be institutional or grassroots, formal or informal, and you will ideally be in the early stages of exploring this area. 

As a Young Curator, you will: 

• Receive a bursary of £1,200 

• Receive £200 each to spend experiencing art 

• Meet regularly as a collective and build a strong peer network 

• Establish a meaningful network of artists, curators and leaders 

• Share inspirations and develop creative ideas with industry experts  

• Develop your self confidence, industry knowledge and event management skills. 

• Develop practical experience and skills in curation providing a pathway into the creative industries.