Open call for exhibition proposals

421 Arts Campus in Abu Dhabi invites curators and curatorial collectives to submit proposals for an exhibition to be developed and presented in Winter/Spring 2027. This opportunity is intended to support curators in researching, learning from, and working closely with contemporary artistic practices in the UAE, while building conversations with wider Arabic-speaking geographies, including diasporic contexts.

Rather than fully finalized exhibition proposals, we are seeking tight curatorial concepts that are grounded in critical inquiry and open to development. Selected curators will work closely with the 421 team to expand their research, connect with local practitioners, and refine their curatorial direction over several months. As part of its mission to support emerging creative practices and critical discourse in the region, 421 offers curators the resources and platform to bring their ideas to life.

Applicants are invited to reflect on the following prompts: What narratives are currently shaping Arabic-speaking geographies? What artistic gestures are emerging from the margins of these contexts? How can curatorial work become a space for listening, translation, and reimagination?

Support and resources
–A competitive curatorial fee will be offered (to be shared in the case of a collective)
–421 will provide full production support, including fabrication, shipping, installation
–All exhibition promotion will be provided by 421
–All exhibition interpretative tools will be developed by 421, in collaboration with the curator and artists
– Application deadline: October 20, 2025
– Venue: Gallery 2 at 421, Abu Dhabi

Apply now and learn more: 421-online.submittable.com/submit