TAF Curator Award – South Asia 2026
Presented by The Arts Family (TAF)
About the Award
The TAF Curator Award – South Asia 2026 recognises an outstanding curator whose practice contributes meaningfully to the contemporary art discourse of South Asia and its diasporas.
Rooted in research, critical thinking, and ethical engagement, the award supports curators who are developing new curatorial languages, platforms, and institutional models—locally and internationally.
Beyond recognition, the award is conceived as a year-long support structure, combining funding, mentorship, and international visibility.
Who Should Apply
The award is open to:
- Curators based in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan) and the diaspora with a demonstrable focus on the region
- Applicants may be: Independent curators; Institution-based curators and Curators working with artist-led, alternative, or research-driven platforms
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have a minimum of 5 years of curatorial experience
- Have curated at least 2–3 significant exhibitions or projects (physical, digital, or hybrid)
- Demonstrate a distinct curatorial vision grounded in research and critical inquiry
- Show commitment to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable curatorial practices
- Collective applications are accepted; one lead curator must be designated.
The Award
TAF Curator of the Year – South Asia 2026
The selected curator will receive:
Curatorial Grant- INR 1,00,000 to support a new curatorial project, exhibition, publication, or research initiative as per TAF guidelines.
TAF Mentorship Programme (12 months)- A structured mentorship with senior international curators, museum professionals, or academics
International Platform- Opportunity to curate or co-curate a TAF-supported exhibition, symposium, or public programme, and present within the TAF Talks series or partner institutions
Publication & Visibility-
- Dedicated curatorial essay or interview published by TAF publication
- Inclusion in TAF’s annual curatorial archive and digital platforms
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following in English:
- Curatorial CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Statement of Curatorial Practice (maximum 1,000 words)
- Portfolio of Curated Projects- Images, texts, links, or documentation of previous work
- Proposed Project or Research Direction- To be developed during the award period
- One Professional Reference is required
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by an international jury comprising: Museum & Independent curators ; academics and a representative from TAF (non-voting chair). Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews or presentations.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Curatorial vision and originality
- Research depth and intellectual rigor
- Contribution to South Asian contemporary art discourse
- Ethical and inclusive curatorial practice
- Feasibility and impact of the proposed project
Key Dates (Indicative)
- Call for Applications Opens: March 2026
- Application Deadline: May 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: June 2026
- Interviews / Jury Review: August 2026
- Award Announcement: September 2026
- Award Period: October 2026 – September 2027
About The Arts Family (TAF)
The Arts Family (TAF) is an international arts platform supporting artists, curators, and cultural practitioners through exhibitions, mentorship, research, and public programmes. TAF is committed to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and building sustainable ecosystems for contemporary art from South Asia and beyond.
How to Apply
Application details, submission links, and FAQs will be available at:
For queries, please contact: