Curating While Black is a residency and embedded symposia intended for Black curators interested in moving forward an individual research project in tandem with participation in group discussions and learning opportunities amongst the cohort and with program faculty.

This hybrid program begins with one week online followed by two weeks in person at Banff Centre, presented through the Banff International Curatorial Institute (BICI). Organized though Walter Phillips Gallery, BICI provides research-based programs for curators, arts writers, theorists, artists, and academics to explore curatorial research, pedagogy and practice, visual art criticism, and writing.

Co-led by faculty Sally Frater, Michelle Jacques, and Crystal Mowry, this residency supports curators in developing individual projects while engaging in dialogue and exchange through:

One-on-one feedback on your curatorial research.
Opportunities for learning and discussion through faculty talks and peer gatherings.
Conversations throughout the program and in the embedded symposia on contemporary curatorial practice with faculty and peers.
Independent writing studios and dedicated space for focused research and reflection.
Cross-program connections with intentional opportunities to connect with artists in concurrent residencies on campus.

The program is intended for Black curators with demonstrated professional experience within the field of visual arts and material culture, performance, film and video, and public programming.

The program is open to curators with institutional affiliations or independent curatorial practices.

Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome to apply.

Scholarships are available.

Application Deadline May 13, 2026
Program Dates Jan 25, 2027 - Feb 12, 2027