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.

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.

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.

The open call is intended for professionals working in curatorial practice, art research, art criticism, cultural management, or interdisciplinary practices related to contemporary visual art.

Priority will be given to applications demonstrating:

A clearly defined curatorial vision and the ability to develop critical arguments.

Knowledge of contemporary art and current artistic discourse.

Experience working directly with artists.

Strong writing, editing, and public communication skills.

Experience organizing exhibitions, cultural projects, or public programs.

An interest in cultural diversity, experimentation, and interdisciplinary practices.

The ability to work collaboratively within a self-managed artistic ecosystem.

Knowledge of the artistic contexts of Miami, the Caribbean, Latin America, or their diasporas.

An academic degree in curatorial studies is not required. Both academic backgrounds and independently developed curatorial practices will be considered.

Fluency in English and Spanish is valued but not required. Curators must be able to communicate professionally in at least one of the two languages.

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.

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.

Applications must be submitted through the official MIFA application form and must include:

Application form: Apply here

1. Full name, city of residence, email address, telephone number, and professional links.

2. Curriculum vitae of no more than three pages.

3. A letter of intent of no more than 700 words addressing:

The applicant’s curatorial approach and primary areas of interest.

Why the applicant wishes to participate in the program.

What the applicant could contribute to MIFA’s artistic ecosystem.

What the applicant would like to research or develop during 2027.

4. A curatorial portfolio in PDF format, limited to 15 pages and including up to five previous projects. Each project should include a brief description, images, date, institution or venue, and the applicant’s specific role.

5. One sample of curatorial, critical, or research-based writing, limited to 1,500 words.

6. A brief proposal, limited to 500 words, for a possible curatorial research topic that could be developed at MIFA. A fully produced exhibition proposal is not required.

7. Confirmation of availability to participate in meetings during October and November 2026 and throughout the January through December 2027 residency period.

8. A declaration of any potential conflicts of interest involving artists, collectives, galleries, or organizations that may apply to the MIFA 2027 Open Call for Exhibition Projects.

All materials must be submitted as a single PDF document. Links to audiovisual or digital materials may be included within the document.

Materials submitted after the application deadline will not be considered.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Curatorial vision and critical thinking, 25%

Conceptual clarity, critical capacity, and relevance of the applicant’s research interests.

Experience and quality of previous projects, 20%

Quality of exhibitions, publications, programs, or curatorial processes previously developed.

Writing and communication skills, 15%

Clarity, depth, and accessibility of the submitted writing.

Ability to support artists, 15%

Experience in dialogue, editing, selection, and the development of artistic bodies of work.

Alignment with MIFA’s mission, 15%

Interest in education, interdisciplinary practices, diversity, accessibility, and community engagement.

Organization and availability, 10%

Ability to meet deadlines, work collaboratively, and maintain the required availability.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual or in-person interview with the Artistic Director and representatives of MIFA.

Curators-in-Residence must act with independence, confidentiality, and transparency throughout the exhibition proposal evaluation process.

A curator must disclose the relationship and recuse themselves from evaluating an application when there is:

A family, romantic, or financial relationship with the applicant.

A recent relationship involving representation, employment, or a commercial partnership.

A curatorial or artistic collaboration that could affect the impartiality of the evaluation.

A personal or professional conflict that may prevent an objective assessment.

Selected curators may not submit their own artwork as artists to the MIFA 2027 Open Call for Exhibition Projects.

Curators may not promise gallery spaces, exhibition dates, or institutional benefits to any artist outside MIFA’s official selection process.

All information included in the applications must remain confidential and may not be shared outside the selection committee.