Open Call: SSA–IAF Curatorial Research Grant 2026–27
Saat Saath Arts Foundation (SSA), in partnership with India Art Fair (IAF)
SSA-IAF Curatorial Research Grant 2026–27
Welcome to the application form for the SSA–IAF Curatorial Research Grant 2026-27!
This grant is a new initiative that invites one curator annually for a fully funded research visit to India. Conceived by Saat Saath Arts Foundation (SSA), in partnership with India Art Fair (IAF), the grant is designed for curators who are at a pivotal moment in their practice, where critical exposure to new contexts, access to diverse artists and institutions, and time for immersive fieldwork can help seed future collaborations, exhibitions, or texts.
It is a research-driven curatorial engagement, carefully structured to deepen transnational dialogue and long-term connectivity between Indian and international contemporary art ecosystems.
WHAT THE GRANT PROVIDES
• Roundtrip airfare
• Domestic travel and ground transport within India
• Accommodation during the research period
• A curated itinerary of artist studio visits, institutional meetings, and access to India Art Fair, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and other key exhibitions
• Opportunities for both public and closed-door conversations with peers
The program culminates in a public online presentation and requires the development of a longer-term curatorial project, whether an exhibition, publication, or public art project.
DEADLINE
September 10, 2026
JURY
Applications will be reviewed by a distinguished international jury including:
Kamini Sawhney
Artistic Director, Public Arts Project, BLRHubba; Museum Management Consultant
Bengaluru, India
Sandhini Poddar
Adjunct Curator at Large, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation
London, UK
Nawar Al Qassimi
Vice President, Sharjah Art Foundation
Sharjah, UAE
Jitish Kallat
Artist & Curator
(Also a past grant recipient)Mumbai, IndiaNora LawrenceExecutive Director, Storm King Art CenterNew York, USA
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview in early November 2026. The Grant recipient will be announced by mid November 2026, and they would travel to India in February 2027.
ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open to curators who:
• Are based and professionally active outside India
• Have a minimum of 8 years of curatorial experience
• Have curated at least one institutional exhibition
• Can demonstrate a strong track record of research, writing, or programming
APPLICATION MATERIALS
You will be asked to upload a single PDF (max 10MB) containing:
1. Statement of Intent (300 words)
2. Research Proposal (1 page)
3. Proposal for a Future Project/Collaboration (1 page)
4. CV
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those working with underrepresented regions, artists, and methodologies to apply.
HISTORY
Originally launched in 2015 as the Saat Saath Arts Curatorial Research Grant, the program has supported leading international curators in developing long-term engagement with India’s contemporary art landscape for over 10 years. Past awardees include Catherine David, Lauren Cornell, Rachel Kent, Dieter Roelstraete, Helen Pheby, Laura Raicovich, Diana Freundl, and most recently Nora Lawrence.