Curatorial Open Call

Kutubna Cultural Center will offer its gallery walls to the community twice in 2026–in September and December–to showcase the art, research, or other creations of members of the UAE community through the curatorial vision of two separate guest curators. 

We invite you (curators, researchers, creative practitioners, and others) to submit exhibition proposals. Two curatorial projects will be selected.

Each selected project should contribute meaningfully to the center’s mission and relate to the culture or history of the UAE or the wider Gulf region, or should present research, ideas, or other forms of knowledge produced in the UAE or the Gulf.

This open call offers the center’s gallery walls for the community to showcase existing mountable works. It does not include funding for printing, framing, commissioning of artworks, transportation costs, other fees or salaries.  

Exhibition Schedule

First Selected Curatorial Exhibition
September 5 – October 5, 2026

Second Selected Curatorial Exhibition
December 5, 2026 – January 4, 2027

Submission Deadline: June 7, 2026

Selection Announcement: June 22, 2026

Installation Periods:

September Exhibition: September 1 – September 4

December Exhibition: December 1 – December 4

Exhibition Themes 

We are seeking exhibitions that offer a fresh, unique, and thoughtful perspective on Gulf traditions, art, heritage, customs, history, or knowledge produced in this region.

The ideal exhibition will do at least one of the following:

  • Engage deeply with an aspect of culture or history of the UAE or the Gulf in a unique, new way or present knowledge or research produced in the UAE
  • Include Emirati artists, photographers, researchers or cultural practitioners in a central and meaningful way
  • Present continuity of customs, traditions, historical moments, or existing knowledge as well as transformation and/or adaptation to modernity or the present
  • Highlight how traditions, histories, cultural practices, and/or knowledge are reinterpreted in contemporary contexts
  • Bring together archival material, lived experience, and/or contemporary artistic production where relevant

We are especially interested in exhibitions that make visible what already exists but has not yet been presented, such as photographic archives, historical collections, or ongoing artistic practices connected to UAE life, culture, memory, or knowledge production.

Exhibition Types 

Only mountable works can be included in the exhibition. These may include but are not limited to:

  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Textile art
  • Mixed media
  • Research-based work

Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Curatorial proposal with a narrative explaining the idea of the exhibition and why it’s important
  • Photographs of sample works along with descriptions.
  • List of artists, photographers, or contributors (with Emirati participants)
  • Supporting materials showing evidence of success in past curatorial projects or other work that demonstrates the ability of the curator to execute this project
  • A budget for any exhibition costs and sponsors who will cover these costs
  • Curator biography (up to one page)
  • Contact information (phone, WhatsApp number, email)

Curator Responsibilities

Selected curators will be responsible for planning and managing the exhibition from start to finish. Responsibilities include:

  • Developing the exhibition concept
  • Selecting artists and artworks
  • Planning the exhibition layout
  • Coordinating installation and deinstallation
  • Managing the exhibition schedule
  • Writing all exhibition-related text including a press release
  • Preparing and sending out invitations and coordinating the opening night
  • Overseeing the exhibition during its duration

Take a look at Kutubna’s art gallery floor plan

How to Participate: 

  • Option 1 (Recommended)
    Fill out the application form in the Link 
  • Option 2
    Send your submission to:     info@kutubna.ae and follow the steps below:
  1. Copy and paste the application details into your email
  2. Provide complete responses to all questions. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory
    Incomplete applications will not be considered

Application Details

SECTION 1 — Applicant Information

  • Full Name*
  • Email Address*
  • Phone Number*
  • City and Country of Residence*
  • Professional Title / Role*
  • Curator Biography (up to one page) *
  • Link to Instagram Account / Website (if applicable)

SECTION 2 — Exhibition Proposal

  • Exhibition Title*
  • Exhibition Concept Description*
  • Does the exhibition include Emirati artists or cultural practitioners? (Yes / No)*
  • List of Artists / Contributors*
  • Type of Works Included (Painting, Photography, Textile, Mixed Media, Research-Based Work, Archival Material, Other)*
  • If Other (please specify)
  • Estimated Number of Works*

SECTION 3 — Exhibition Logistics

  • Preferred Exhibition Period (September 5 – October 5, 2026 / December 5, 2026 – January 4, 2027 / No preference)*
  • Do you plan to seek sponsorship for this exhibition? (Yes / No)*
  • Potential Sponsors and Funding Sources (including grants, if applicable)*
  • Estimated Budget*
  • Upload Detailed Funding Plan*

SECTION 4 — Submission Documents

  • Curatorial Proposal Document (Upload detailed proposal & include list of suggested artists / contributors - PDF / DOC / DOCX) *
  • Photographs of sample works along with descriptions. (PDF / JPG / PNG)*
  • Additional Supporting Materials (optional)

SECTION 5 — Required Agreement (Must Be Included in Email)*

Please copy and include the following statements in your email:

I understand and agree that Kutubna Cultural Center will not provide any artist or curator fees. Curators may seek and use external grants or funding to support their proposal.

I understand and agree that, if selected, I am responsible for developing the exhibition concept; selecting artists and artworks; planning the exhibition layout; coordinating installation and deinstallation; managing the exhibition schedule; writing exhibition texts and press materials; supervising the exhibition during its duration; and removing artworks after the exhibition closes.

I understand that I am responsible for preparing and disseminating invitations and coordinating promotional outreach, while Kutubna Cultural Center provides the design for social media posts and flyers, and handles the printing of flyers only. 

I understand and agree that Kutubna Cultural Center provides standard mounted installation services only.

I understand that I am responsible for transporting artworks, ensuring proper packaging and handling, and arranging insurance coverage if required. I acknowledge that Kutubna Cultural Center is not responsible for damage occurring during transport or to uninsured artworks.

I understand that catering for the exhibition opening is optional. If I choose to provide catering, I agree to cover all associated costs and to arrange all orders through Cafe Kutubna.

I understand that artworks sold during the exhibition will be subject to a commission for the center, and that all sales will be processed through Kutubna Cultural Center.

I confirm that I will deliver the exhibition according to the agreed schedule, follow venue guidelines and safety requirements, maintain professional conduct, and ensure all artworks meet technical standards.

Final Confirmation*

Please include the following statement in your email:

I confirm that all information provided is accurate and that I agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Curatorial Open Call Application.