curators in residence program 2027
Miami International Fine Arts, MIFA, invites curators, art researchers, art writers, cultural producers, and creative professionals with curatorial experience to apply to the MIFA Curators-in-Residence Program 2027.
MIFA is a multidisciplinary arts center located between Doral and Miami Springs. Its programming integrates arts education, artist residencies, exhibitions, printmaking, performing arts, music, poetry, and interdisciplinary projects.
The Curators-in-Residence Program seeks to strengthen emerging curatorial voices, support the professional development of artists, and build a rigorous and diverse exhibition program connected to the cultural context of South Florida.
For the 2027 edition, MIFA will select up to five curators who will collaborate with the Artistic Director in evaluating exhibition proposals, mentoring participating artists, and developing exhibitions throughout the institution.
The program aims to:
Strengthen the professional practices of emerging and mid-career curators.
Create opportunities for the development of independent curatorial research.
Support artists in the conceptualization, editing, and public presentation of their bodies of work.
Promote dialogue among artists, curators, researchers, educators, and communities.
Consolidate a diverse, critical, and professionally developed exhibition program at MIFA throughout 2027.
The Curators-in-Residence will participate actively in the development of MIFA’s 2027 exhibition calendar and will be expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:
Exhibition Project Selection
Participate in the review of applications submitted through the MIFA 2027 Open Call for Exhibition Projects.
Evaluate proposals using a shared assessment rubric established by the Artistic Director.
Participate in committee deliberations and interviews with shortlisted artists and collectives.
Identify projects that are relevant to MIFA’s different galleries, audiences, and areas of research.
Provide clear, thoughtful, and well-supported curatorial assessments.
The final selection of exhibition projects will be made jointly by the MIFA Artistic Director and the Curators-in-Residence committee.
Exhibition Development
Curate or support one or more exhibitions during 2027, depending on the exhibition schedule and the characteristics of each project.
Conduct studio visits and follow-up meetings with assigned artists.
Review portfolios, artist statements, artwork lists, and supporting research materials.
Define the final selection of artworks and the exhibition narrative in collaboration with the artist.
Develop the curatorial framework and proposed distribution of artworks within the gallery.
Write the curatorial essay, wall texts, labels, and any required interpretive materials.
Coordinate with the Artistic Director and the MIFA team on installation, lighting, signage, and the overall presentation of the exhibition.
Be present during the installation, opening reception, and principal public activities associated with assigned projects.
Participate in interviews, curatorial tours, public conversations, or promotional video content related to the exhibitions.
Ensure that each exhibition maintains MIFA’s professional, curatorial, and presentation standards.
Institutional Participation
Attend curatorial and programming meetings organized by MIFA.
Participate in studio visits, conversations with resident artists, and professional activities within the institution.
Maintain clear and organized communication with artists, the Artistic Director, and the operations team.
Meet all deadlines related to curatorial texts, artwork lists, floor plans, promotional materials, and exhibition documentation.
Represent the program publicly with professionalism, integrity, respect, and accountability.
Availability and commitment
The residency will last twelve months, from January through December 2027.
Selected curators must participate in an orientation and exhibition selection process beginning in October 2026.
The expected commitment is approximately 8 to 12 hours per month. This workload may increase during installation periods, opening receptions, or public programs.
In-person attendance will be required for essential meetings, installations, opening receptions, and activities associated with assigned projects.
Applicants who do not reside in the Miami area will be responsible for their own transportation, accommodations, and travel expenses.