Curatorial Laboratory – Mentoring Program for Emerging Curators
Application Deadline: June 30th
Over the years, Improper Walls has collaborated with many curators whose perspectives have enriched our space. Yet we’re also aware of systemic barriers: curators with migrant, non-academic, or working-class backgrounds face limited access to networks, resources, and paid mentorship opportunities. Curatorial knowledge remains guarded, and opportunities favour those with academic credentials or institutional ties.
This programme is a direct response. We are creating a focused mentorship for emerging curators based in Vienna who have curiosity and some practical experience (from little to medium), but who seek a supportive, non-gatekept environment to grow. Two selected curators will take part in a four-month program, consisting of workshops with four mentors, exchanges with other curators, visits to off-spaces, galleries, and artists’ studios, as well as a detailed, hands-on collaboration with the Improper Walls team to develop, plan, and realise an exhibition, bringing the program to a full cycle of curatorial practice.
We see curating as a practice of care, dialogue, and responsibility—toward artists, audiences, communities, and ideas. The programme is free of charge, participants receive an honorarium, and it's conducted in English to welcome those excluded by German-language or unpaid structures. Knowledge is shared, not delivered; mentors and experts act as facilitators, not authority figures.
Participants Profile
Based in Vienna.
With a strong interest in curating and some practical experience (from self-organised projects to assistant roles), but not yet established in institutional settings.
With a clear topic or thematic focus they wish to explore.
Who value collaborative, care-informed practice.
Who are seeking a supportive peer and mentor network.
Structure of the Program
The program is divided into four stages, each lasting one month:
1st Stage (September) Concept Development
2nd Stage (October) Planning and production
3rd Stage (November) Exhibition realization
4th Stage (December) Exhibition Program
During the first two Stages, the Program also includes knowledge-sharing sessions, studio and space visits, alongside exchanges with our four mentors, other curators and members of our team. The month of December is reserved only for pre-scheduled public program during the exhibition.
What Participants Gain
An honorarium for their participation. (500 eur)
Hands-on experience in all stages of curating an exhibition.
A space to experiment and learn.
Documentation of their work.
Being a part of an active network.
Open Call Timeline
Open Call for Applications: May-June 2026.
Preselection of participants and interviews: July 2026.
Announcement of two selected individuals at the end of July 2026.
Application
CV (one A4 page)
A letter of motivation (one A4 page)
The completed registration form.
An overview of one project of your choosing, which you have already curated.
Define themes or topics of interest.
Contact information.
Apply through this application form by June 30th 2026, 23:59 (CET).
Important information:
The working language of the program is English.
The applicants must be based in Vienna.
Applicants must be available throughout the mentorship period. Curatorial Laboratory is an intensive mentorship program, with activities taking place a minimum of two times per week (approximately 5 hours per session, but can vary). The program does not follow fixed working hours; however, participants should be able to commit to a flexible schedule that accommodates regular sessions and ongoing project work.
Application Deadline: June 30th
Program Duration: September 1st-December 18th 2026
Exhibition opening on November 18th, lasting until January 18th 2026.
Program Location: Vienna, Austria (Improper Walls, different locations around the city of Vienna)
Concept and Program developed by Urška Kleindienst and Ale Zapata
For any further questions, please contact: sayhi@improperwalls.com