CIT’s Curator Development Scheme returns in 2026 with a special two-day course exploring all aspects of a curator’s career path.
Tickets: £50 (for both days).
Book here or call 0161 912 5616.
A limited number of free places are available for participants with low incomes. To apply, see details below.
Each day will feature a mix of talks and workshops to help aspiring curators to understand the sector and the skillset needed by those wanting to establish their curatorial careers.
The Role of the Curator – why is this role important and what does a curator do?
Exhibition Planning – when should your planning begin? A step-by-step guide to making sure your exhibition is a success.
Working with Technicians – a look at how a gallery technician complement the curator’s work and the practical steps of exhibition installation that a curator should consider.
Working with Artists – how to collaborate with an artist and help them express their vision within an exhibition.
Understanding Audiences – how does a curator communicate the themes of an exhibition and the artist’s vision with audiences? An exploration of techniques - including narrative design, graphic design and interactivity - that can be used to share the exhibition's story with your visitors.
DIY Curating – putting together exhibitions on a zero or limited budget.
Curating as a Career – developing as a freelance curator or within in a larger organisation.
Beyond The Exhibition – understanding the contemporary visual arts scene, looking at networks, websites and publications that can help your career and the projects you work on.
Each participant in this course will be invited to apply for a £1000 bursary to support them while working alongside the Waterside galleries team delivering an exhibition within our 2026 galleries programme, which includes contemporary art & design, photography and animation.
A limited number of free places are available for this Development Scheme for participants facing economic hardship.
To apply for a free place, please send an email to cit@watersidearts.org with ‘Curator Development’ as the subject.
Please make sure to include up to 200 words about your creative practice and a further 150 words as to why you are applying. If you have relevant links showcasing your work then please also include those.
Deadline for applications to the Curator Development Scheme: 30 January 2026 by 17:00.
Application Advice Sessions
CIT is offering free advice sessions to those wishing to apply for the Curator Development Scheme.
To find out more, book a free 30 minute session with the Waterside galleries team on 18 November 2025 at this link: