Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The Objectifs Curator Open Call is a competitive opportunity designed to support curators working with photography, film, and image-based contemporary art practices. The initiative encourages innovative curatorial approaches and critical engagement with contemporary social, cultural, and artistic issues.
The programme aims to:
- Support curatorial research and experimentation
- Encourage new approaches to presenting image-based work
- Promote audience engagement and public programming
- Expand perspectives through contemporary visual culture
- Activate the Chapel Gallery and its surrounding heritage spaces
The selected exhibition will be presented at the Chapel Gallery managed by Objectifs.
Funding and Support
Successful applicants will receive:
- Curator honorarium of USD 1,000
- Production budget of up to USD 8,000
- Mentorship from a programme mentor
- Production guidance and curatorial support
- Administrative assistance
- Marketing and promotional support
The programme is designed to help curators realize ambitious and research-driven exhibitions while receiving professional institutional support.
Who Is Eligible?
The open call is available to:
- Singapore citizens
- Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs)
Additional eligibility conditions include:
- The main applicant must be based in Singapore up to three months before the exhibition opening
- The curator must be physically present during installation and de-installation
- Curatorial teams are eligible
- Collaborations with overseas-based curators are allowed
- Collaborations with curators of other nationalities are permitted
Artists may apply as curators only if:
- They are curating a group exhibition
- They are curating another artist’s work
Artists cannot apply solely to present their own solo exhibition under this call.
Exhibition Proposal Requirements
Applicants must meet several curatorial and exhibition requirements.
Key proposal criteria include:
- At least 50 percent of artworks must be photo-based or film-based
- At least 50 percent of participating artists must be Singapore citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents
- The exhibition must not have been previously presented
- The proposal should engage contemporary issues and concerns
- The exhibition should demonstrate innovative curatorial presentation methods
- Audience engagement and accessibility should be clearly considered
Applicants are encouraged to engage with:
- The exhibition history of the Chapel Gallery
- The mission and priorities of Objectifs
- The architectural and heritage context of the venue
Public Programming Requirements
Curators must plan at least two public programmes connected to the exhibition.
Examples include:
Applicants may also consider using outdoor spaces such as:
- The Objectifs courtyard
- External architectural areas around the Chapel Gallery
Strong public programming can help increase audience participation and community engagement.
Focus Areas of the Open Call
The programme prioritizes proposals that demonstrate:
- Strong curatorial research
- Experimental exhibition-making
- Contemporary social and cultural relevance
- Audience-centric communication
- Innovative use of image-based media
- Engagement with heritage and architectural space
The open call supports projects that push the boundaries of visual storytelling and curatorial practice.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Objectifs Curator Open Call provides emerging and established curators with:
- Institutional recognition
- Exhibition funding
- Professional mentorship
- Public visibility
- Curatorial development opportunities
The programme also contributes to Singapore’s contemporary visual arts ecosystem by supporting new curatorial voices and interdisciplinary artistic practices.
For curators working with photography, film, archives, moving image, and visual culture, the initiative offers a valuable platform for experimentation and public engagement.
How to Prepare a Strong Proposal
Applicants should:
- Develop a clear curatorial concept
- Explain the relevance of the exhibition theme
- Demonstrate how the exhibition engages contemporary issues
- Show innovative approaches to displaying image-based works
- Include realistic production planning
- Design meaningful public programmes
- Consider audience accessibility and engagement
- Research the Chapel Gallery space and Objectifs’ curatorial direction
Strong proposals usually combine conceptual depth, visual clarity, feasibility, and public relevance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting previously exhibited projects
- Failing to meet the 50 percent image-based artwork requirement
- Ignoring public programme requirements
- Providing unclear curatorial concepts
- Overlooking the heritage and architectural context of the venue
- Submitting unrealistic budgets or timelines
Incomplete or poorly structured proposals may reduce the chances of selection.
How to Apply
The application process generally involves:
- Preparing a curatorial proposal
- Describing the exhibition concept and participating artists
- Explaining the curatorial approach and audience engagement strategy
- Including proposed public programmes
- Preparing production and budget information
- Submitting all required supporting documents before the deadline
Applicants should ensure all eligibility and exhibition requirements are clearly addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Objectifs Curator Open Call?
Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents are eligible to apply. Curatorial teams and collaborations with overseas-based curators are also permitted.
Can artists apply as curators?
Yes. Artists may apply if they are curating a group exhibition or another artist’s work.
What type of artworks are required?
At least 50 percent of the proposed works must be photo-based or film-based.
Can previously exhibited projects be submitted?
No. The proposed exhibition must not have been previously presented.
What financial support is provided?
Selected curators receive:
- USD 1,000 curator honorarium
- Up to USD 8,000 production budget
- Mentorship and institutional support
Are public programmes mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must plan at least two public programmes related to the exhibition.
Can outdoor spaces be used?
Yes. Curators may consider using outdoor areas such as the Objectifs courtyard for programming or exhibition purposes.
Conclusion
The Objectifs Curator Open Call offers an important opportunity for Singapore-based curators to develop innovative image-based exhibitions with institutional funding and mentorship support. By encouraging experimental curatorial research, audience engagement, and interdisciplinary visual practices, the programme helps strengthen Singapore’s contemporary arts landscape.
Curators with strong conceptual ideas, thoughtful public programming, and innovative approaches to photography and film-based work are well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity.
For more information, visit Objectifs.