Open Call │ The Thing Is: Expanding Curatorial Proficiency

To apply, please visit: LINK

What does it mean to be a curator in this anxious century? How radically can we (re)imagine the features and impact of the curator and curatorial community?

The LBF invites emerging and mid-career curators and art researchers to apply for a unique curatorial capacity building programme: The Thing Is. 

The Thing Is: Expanding Curatorial Proficiency is a curatorial development programme that will run from Fall 2025 – Spring 2026. The programme is Lahore-based and will operate on a part time, hybrid model. Out of city candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Board, travel and stay is  covered.

Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of work experience to qualify. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. Successful candidates will learn from local and international field experts and work towards an exhibit. They may also be offered the opportunity to work with the curator of the forthcoming Lahore Biennale 04.

This programme aims to advance curatorial practices within Pakistan and for its participants to engage with technical and conceptual aspects of curating and research. It seeks to inform its participants through research driven approaches and new and inclusive forms of inquiry, such as:

1. ⁠Situating the field historically. Exploring gaps, new frontiers and scopes.
2. ⁠Training curatorial voices situated in or responding to histories and dialogues within the Global South.
3. ⁠Amplifying their projects to hold space locally, regionally, internationally and intersectionally.
4. Encouraging participants to think beyond the gallery and institutional spaces.

To apply, please fill out the online application form and attach the requested documents listed below. Applications will close by the 25th of June, 2025 at 11:00pm PST. 

Application Requirements:

1. Online Application Form
2. CV (Upload)
3. Letter of Interest (Upload)
4. Portfolio of work (Upload)