Upė Foundation Curatorial Fellowship — a paid curatorial position in Lithuania for up to 18 months
Working within an international art institution can be just as important for professional growth as participating in exhibitions or residencies. International curatorial opportunities allow emerging professionals not only to develop their own practice but also to work daily with artists, exhibitions, and cultural projects while gaining experience inside one of the leading contemporary art institutions.
Upė Foundation Curatorial Fellowship is a program established by Upė Foundation in partnership with Sapieha Palace, a branch of the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) in Vilnius. It offers a paid curatorial position for an emerging curator from the United Kingdom at one of the leading contemporary art institutions in the Baltic region. The contract is offered for 12 months with the possibility of a 6-month extension, and the position requires relocation to Vilnius, Lithuania.
What the program offers
The selected candidate becomes a full member of the Sapieha Palace curatorial team in a paid position. The program includes a monthly gross salary of €2,175, mandatory health insurance, the cost of the first flight to Vilnius, a work laptop, assistance with finding accommodation, support with work and residence permits, and access to the research and exhibition infrastructure of CAC Vilnius.
What the role involves
The successful candidate will work alongside the curators and director of Sapieha Palace, contributing to the development and delivery of the institution’s exhibition program. Responsibilities include:
— curating an exhibition in the North Gallery and developing its accompanying public program;
— supporting the preparation of major exhibition projects;
— assisting with the organization of the annual symposium;
— collaborating with artists, partners, and the production team throughout all stages of project development.
Who can apply
The program is intended for emerging curators with one to five years of professional experience. Applicants should hold a degree in curatorial studies, art history, visual culture, or a related field, and must have UK citizenship or confirmed long-term residency rights in the United Kingdom. Preference is given to candidates who have already developed independent curatorial projects but have not yet held permanent positions within major art institutions.
Application requirements
To apply, candidates should prepare:
— a CV;
— a motivation letter of no more than one page;
— a one-page exhibition proposal for the North Gallery;
— combine all documents into one PDF file;
— submit the application in English by email to the organizers.
Why consider Upė Foundation Curatorial Fellowship
This opportunity combines a full-time paid position, professional mentoring, and independent curatorial practice. Throughout the program, the selected curator becomes part of one of the Baltic region’s most dynamic contemporary art institutions, gains valuable experience working within an international organization, expands professional networks, and develops an independent exhibition project.
The deadline for applications is 13 July 2026.
Online interviews will take place in early August 2026, the results will be announced in mid-August, and the start date is scheduled for autumn 2026.
