- Curatorial Foundations Program open call
- Developed in collaboration with Node Berlin – Center for Curatorial Studies, it offers training for creatives to step into the world of curation.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 7 September 2025: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in partnership with Node Berlin – Center for Curatorial Studies, has announced a new initiative to build curatorial capacity in the UAE. The ‘Curatorial Foundations Program’ will provide emerging talent with hands-on training on curation while reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to grow its cultural and creative industries and strengthen its position as a global hub for the creative economy.
Running from October 1 to December 12 as the hybrid program will provide both online and onsite sessions at the Al Shindagha Historic Neighborhood, it is open to university graduates, artists, and creators who are UAE nationals or residents and wish to build curatorial expertise. Workshops will cover planning, artist selection, artwork care, media communication strategies, partner collaboration, and budget and contract management. The course will conclude with participants presenting a comprehensive proposal for an integrated art exhibition that showcases the skills they have gained.
Conducted by Node Center and professional curators, only 10 participants will be selected to ensure a focused and interactive learning experience. Applications will be accepted from 8 to 15 September, with selection based on readiness, commitment, and interest in curatorial practice. Applicants must be proficient in English and be aspiring curators, artists, or cultural practitioners with a foundation in the arts. They must also demonstrate a strong motivation to gain practical experience in organizing exhibitions. Submissions should include a CV or portfolio of creative work, if available.
Curating Culture
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority was launched on 8th March 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Authority enables and develops the cultural and creative sectors in the emirate as the custodian entity, based on its cultural responsibility towards Dubai and to help define it in both a local and global context.
Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the Authority is committed to enriching the cultural scene of the emirate, firmly rooted in the heritage of the United Arab Emirates. It is working on building bridges of constructive dialogue between various civilizations and cultures to enhance Dubai’s position as a global center for art and culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
The Authority is also committed to reviving Dubai’s history and highlighting the image of its contemporary cultural fabric through a series of innovative cultural initiatives, events and projects, as well as the cultural, historical and heritage assets it sponsors. This includes the management of five of the city’s notable heritage monuments, six museums, and eight branches of Dubai Public Libraries.
