Curatorial Programme 2018–19

De Appel invites emerging international curators to apply for its renewed ten-month long, full-time educational platform in Amsterdam. 

Since its inception in 1994, De Appel Curatorial Programme is a prime, internationally respected incentive for the advancement of the theory and practice of curatorial activities, as well as its manifold ideological framings. The programme has under the directorship of Niels Van Tomme continued to pursue these ambitions yet has simultaneously shifted towards a more research-oriented approach. Six emerging curators with various academic and/or experiential backgrounds will be selected to develop projects within the programme’s core theme: de-universalization. 

This curatorial prompt offers a conscious rejection of the increasing standardisation of curatorial thinking and explores alternative ways of conceptualizing, developing and implementing exhibitions, performances, public programmes and screenings. Rather than viewing these formats as static notions, the Curatorial Programme approaches them as multifaceted concepts with dynamic definitions that should be constantly extended and adapted. 

Parallel to a conversation-based, immersive learning trajectory, the programme expands to an innovative seminar and workshop model resulting in individually developed research and writing assignments, as well as a collective curatorial project hosted at De Appel. The emphasis is on developing critical and experimental curatorial attitudes, and on fostering a self-reflexive and future-oriented ecology of curating.

More info on De Appel Curatorial Programme, its previous participants and teachers: here. 

Based upon the submitted documents about twelve candidates will be short-listed. Interviews will take place between March 19 and 30, 2018 with an international jury, which will select the final six participants of De Appel Curatorial Programme 2018–19.

Application requirements
1. The application form, completed and signed (see website under “practical information”)
2. Motivation letter, max. 500 words
3. Response of max. 300 words each, to the following questions:
–What is the relationship between art and universal values?
–Why is the history of exhibition making almost told exclusively from the point of view of group exhibitions?
–Motivate the one project you would most eagerly like to realise in the next two years.
4. CV, max. 2 pages
5. Two written references of (former) tutors, colleagues or employers, in English
The application should be submitted in one single Pdf-document with items in the above order. Completed applications should be sent digitally to: cp-application [​at​] deappel.nl
For questions, contact the Curatorial Programme’s coordinator Liza Nijhuis: liza [​at​] deappel.nl