Empowering Curators

Empowering Curators: New Fellowships for the Global Majority

Report Joyce Thornton

A major new initiative from Art Fund to promote and support greater diversity and representation in museums and arts galleries across the UK is welcoming new Host Organisations to apply for the next stage of its Empowering Curators programme.

FACE salutes this important step forward, aimed at increasing and empowering mid-level and senior curators, specifically from the global majority to progress into senior curatorial and executive leadership roles throughout the UK. Institutions can apply now. Applications close on October 12th. More information here

Empowering Curators Residency at Ashorne Hill, January 2026 © Hydar

Across the sector, the call for change is long overdue, with just 6% of those working in museums and galleries identifying as Black, Asian or ethnically diverse (Arts Council NPO data 2018-23). This number is further reduced in management and executive positions (Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre’s, State of the Nation report, 2024).

This exciting bespoke leadership programme begins to address this issue, by increasing equity for curators of colour, who will bring fresh perspectives to the communities they serve, and will undoubtedly engage new audiences. 

The programme, launched in March, will last for 5 years, empowering host organisations and curators to embrace innovative approaches to curation, and look through differing lenses to engage and broaden audiences, responding to our rich and diverse modern world in fresh and exciting ways.

“By investing in both people and institutions, the programme aims to create lasting impact for curators, organisations and the wider sector.”

(Art Fund)

Empowering Curators Residency, at Ashorne Hill, January 2026 © Hydar

The first host organisations and the 10 curatorial fellows, above and named below, for 2026 are recognised for their achievements, leadership and contributions to the field of curation.

·       Autograph, London (Neicia Marsh)

·       Chapter, Cardiff (Sim Panaser)

·       Culture Coventry (Taniah Simpson)

·       Glasgow Life (Nelson Cummins)

·       Manchester Museum (Nusrat Ahmed)

·       National Museums Liverpool (Dr Jill Sutherland)

·       Royal Museums Greenwich, (Hannah Cusworth and Dr Nydia A Swaby)

·       Tate Liverpool (Carine Harmand)

·       The Whitworth, Manchester (Dr Christo Kefalas)

These first Fellows begin to correct the current imbalance and will aim to reveal new perspectives within the diversity and breadth of UK museums.

Exciting projects already underway include exhibitions and displays currently being curated by Carine Harmand for the re-opening of Tate Liverpool in 2027. Carine is also working with Dr Jill Sutherland on a new multi-disciplinary installation co-commissioned with the International Slavery Museum, featuring the work of visual artist, poet and filmmaker, Julianknxx. Further information on other projects that have begun here

Gus Casely-Hayford, OBE, Director V&A East and Empowering Curators Steering Group member said:

“Since I began my career in the arts, calls for action in the sector have long been heard but rarely answered, with talented curators lost to industries that are more supportive and progressive. It has never been more important for this to change.

“Curators are at the forefront of cultural exchange. Through their work, audiences can imagine new worlds, understand different histories, and reflect upon the world we live in today.”

Empowering Curators is one step closer towards bringing about this much needed change, ensuring that the next generation of cultural leaders are reflective of the global, diverse and dynamic Britain we live in today. I am thrilled for this year’s curatorial fellows, and I look forward to seeing the programme grow and inspire”

Empowering Curators is an Art Fund programme made possible with lead investment from Art Fund and generous support from The Headley Trust, Arts Council England, Ford Foundation, Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, Rothschild Foundation, John Booth Charitable Foundation, Hollick Family Foundation and individual supporters. Fundraising is continuing to ensure the programme’s longevity and long-term impact.