Deadline: 18-Jan-2026
The British Council’s Art Exchange: Moving Image Development Programme supports early to mid-career visual arts curators from Sub-Saharan Africa working with moving image. The programme offers mentorship, online training, a fully funded UK research residency, and financial and logistical support to deliver a final moving image exhibition in participants’ home countries.
The Art Exchange: Moving Image Development Programme is a professional development initiative designed to strengthen the curatorial practice of early to mid-career visual arts curators from Sub-Saharan Africa who work with moving image. Led by the British Council and delivered by Breinstorm Brand Architects in partnership with IQOQO, the programme combines mentorship, skills development, and curatorial experimentation within an international exchange framework.
Programme Background and Context
The first edition of Art Exchange: Moving Image ran from 2023 to 2025. The new cycle builds on this foundation with a renewed commitment to supporting emerging and mid-level curators across Sub-Saharan Africa, while also extending learning connections with South Asia. The programme positions moving image as a critical curatorial medium and supports practitioners to develop exhibitions that respond to local and global artistic contexts.
Core Objectives
The programme aims to:
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Build curatorial confidence and professional capacity
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Foster critical dialogue around moving image practices
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Expand international and regional curatorial networks
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Support the realisation of moving image exhibitions in local contexts
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Encourage experimentation and research-led curatorial practice
What the Programme Offers
Up to six selected participants will receive:
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Personalised mentorship from experienced international curators and industry experts
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Access to the British Council Collection, an internationally recognised public art collection
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A structured online training programme focused on moving image curation
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A fully funded research residency in the United Kingdom, provisionally scheduled for May 2026
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Financial and logistical support to curate a final exhibition in their home country
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Support to deliver a public-facing programme or workshop for their local artistic community
Final exhibitions will draw on moving image works from the British Council Collection.
Programme Timeline and Commitments
Selected curators must commit to:
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Monthly online sessions from February 2026 to March 2027
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Full participation in the UK research residency in May 2026
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Delivering a final exhibition between late 2026 and March 2027
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Completing all monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and grant compliance requirements set by the British Council
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Be based in one of the ten participating Sub-Saharan African countries
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Not be currently enrolled in formal education
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Demonstrate clear interest and experience in visual arts curation
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Have prior experience working with moving image as a curatorial medium
Early-career and mid-career curators must also meet the programme’s defined requirements related to professional experience, research engagement, and previous curatorial or organisational contributions.
Application Requirements
A complete application must be submitted in English and include:
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A current curriculum vitae
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A two-page curatorial proposal outlining interests and approach to moving image
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A signed letter of support from the proposed host venue
Optional video submissions may be included and must follow the specified technical and content guidelines.
How the Selection Process Works
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Applications are reviewed by a selection panel representing Breinstorm Brand Architects, IQOQO, and the British Council.
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Shortlisted applicants may be invited to take part in an informal interview.
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Final selections are made based on curatorial experience, proposal quality, and potential impact.
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Successful applicants are notified by the first week of February 2026.
Why This Programme Matters
This programme strengthens the professional ecosystem for moving image curation in Sub-Saharan Africa by combining international exposure with locally grounded exhibition-making. It supports curators to access global collections, expand networks, and produce high-quality public exhibitions that contribute to cultural dialogue and audience engagement in their home countries.
Common Application Tips
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Clearly demonstrate your experience with moving image as a curatorial medium
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Ensure your curatorial proposal is focused, research-informed, and realistic
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Secure a strong and relevant host venue letter of support
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Align your proposal with local audiences and contexts
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Follow all formatting and submission guidelines carefully
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Art Exchange: Moving Image Development Programme?
It is a British Council-led professional development programme for early to mid-career curators working with moving image.
Who delivers the programme?
The programme is delivered by Breinstorm Brand Architects in partnership with IQOQO, supported by the British Council.
How many participants are selected?
Up to six curators are selected for each programme cycle.
Is the UK residency funded?
Yes, the research residency in the UK is fully funded.
Do participants have to deliver an exhibition?
Yes, each participant must curate a final exhibition in their home country using works from the British Council Collection.
Can students apply?
No, applicants must not be currently enrolled in formal education.
When will results be announced?
Final results will be shared by the first week of February 2026.
Conclusion
The Art Exchange: Moving Image Development Programme offers a rare, structured pathway for curators from Sub-Saharan Africa to deepen their moving image practice through mentorship, international exchange, and exhibition-making. By combining global resources with local delivery, the programme supports sustainable curatorial growth and meaningful cultural impact.
For more information, visit British Council.
