Expanding the Art World's Perspective Through Frieze's Embrace of Multiple Viewpoints
2024 Emerging Curator's Fellowship to be Hosted by Ikon Gallery in Birmingham
The art world is set to witness a significant development as the 2024 Emerging Curator's Fellowship, an initiative aimed at supporting Black and People of Color (POC) curators, will be hosted by Ikon Gallery in Birmingham. This fellowship is a joint commitment by Frieze and a leading financial services company, reflecting their dedication to promoting diversity and social mobility in the U.K.'s art-gallery ecosystem.
Ikon Gallery, a contemporary art venue renowned for its commitment to diversity and accessibility, has been selected to host the fellowship. The gallery's location in Birmingham, a super-diverse city, offers a rich and dynamic context for the fellow. Ikon Gallery was chosen for this honour due to a strong application, as stated by Mary Findlay, International Art Curator.
This marks the fifth institution in the U.K. to host the Emerging Curator's Fellowship, following the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Chisenhale Gallery, The Whitworth Gallery, and V&A East. Interestingly, three out of the five institutions selected for this fellowship are located outside of London, signifying a broader commitment to supporting talent across the U.K.
The fellowship at Ikon Gallery will provide professional development and career advancement opportunities for emerging curators from underrepresented communities within the contemporary art field. It will foster mentorships, networking, and practical curatorial experience, helping them grow and amplify their voices within the U.K. art scene.
While specific details on the fellowship structure or the range of activities in 2024 are not yet available, programs like these typically include mentorship by established curators, curatorial project opportunities, and professional networking events designed to address systemic barriers faced by Black and POC curators. Such initiatives contribute to increased representation and equity in the curatorial profession across the U.K., enriching the art ecosystem with diverse perspectives.
Ikon Gallery's involvement underscores their ongoing dedication to supporting emerging curators from marginalized backgrounds, further embedding inclusivity in contemporary art practice. Recruitment for the 2024 fellow will begin in the summer of 2024. The fellowship includes a research grant and director mentorship, providing a comprehensive platform for the fellow's growth.
For more detailed or updated information on the fellowship specifics, including application processes or fellowship outcomes, direct sources such as Ikon Gallery's official website or the fellowship's managing organization would provide authoritative details beyond the scope of available search results.
[1] For more information on similar artist and curator development programs, please visit the following links: - Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art - Chisenhale Gallery - The Whitworth Gallery - V&A East
- As the 2024 Emerging Curator's Fellowship aims to support underrepresented curators, it is expected that social media platforms will buzz with discussions about the fellowship, fashion-and-beauty influencers advocating for diversity, and pop-culture enthusiasts sharing updates on the fellows' projects and achievements.
- The fellowship at Ikon Gallery, focusing on professional development and career advancement for Black and POC curators, is a testament to the growing intersections between lifestyle, pop-culture, and the art world. This fellowship is likely to contribute significantly to the fashion-and-beauty and entertainment industries, as the fellows' perspectives and curatorial projects could subtly influence trends and public discourse.
