Spike Island and Hauser & Wirth are pleased to invite applications from independent curators, art workers and creative practitioners based in the South West of England to develop and deliver a programme of events and activities as part of Spike Island’s Engagement programme from April 2025 to March 2026.

Working closely with the Spike Island Programme team and local partners, the successful applicant will cultivate an inclusive approach to engagement, specifically working with community groups, children and young people.

The Engagement Fellowship 2025-26 should explore the relationship between urban and rural communities, landscape, sustainability and ecologies. The proposal must include a range of public-facing outcomes, including discursive and participatory forms of engagement, such as workshops, tours, talks and reading groups. Events can take place across Spike Island and Hauser & Wirth Somerset’s premises or at another relevant location.

This is the first of three Engagement Fellowships for South West-based curators taking place between 2025 and 2028, kindly supported by Hauser & Wirth.

This is an exciting opportunity for a curator or creative practitioner wanting to further their career working with local audiences.

The successful applicant will receive:

• A £10,000 fee to plan, develop and deliver a year-long programme of events as part of Spike Island’s Engagement programme from April 2025 to March 2026

• A £6,500 budget to develop and deliver a year-long programme of up to 10 events

• Support and mentorship from Spike Island and Hauser & Wirth Somerset’s programming teams, including access to training and development opportunities through Spike Island.

• Access to a desk space in the Spike Island office, and use of the Residency Studio (subject to availability).

• Annual membership to our Spike Island Associates programme, which offers free access to regular talks, one-to-ones with artists, critics and curators, and other opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and support

The delivery of the programme will be supported by Spike Island’s Curator and Assistant Curator: Artist Development and Engagement; the Hauser & Wirth Learning team; as well as other members of staff when necessary.

ELIGIBILITY

The Fellowship is for an independent curator, art worker or creative practitioner based in the South West of England, with experience of running engagement and public programmes for a broad range of audiences.

You will have good knowledge of contemporary art, visual arts engagement practice and a clear understanding of current debates in the sector. Please note that we are not able to accept applications from anyone currently undertaking an undergraduate course.

The selected applicant will need to pass a basic DBS check. If you do not already have a basic DBS certificate dated within the last three years, we will support you to apply for one.

Spike Island is committed to anti-racism and to addressing inequality in the arts sector. We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodiverse, part of the Global Ethnic Majority, and/or come from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.