2027 First Peoples-led Exhibition

Invitation to apply for the 2027 First Peoples-led Exhibition

Craft Victoria is now seeking expressions of interest to curate the 2027 First Peoples-led exhibition. The program series is an initiative established by Craft in 2020 to platform First Peoples curatorial practice within craft and design. The annual program engages a guest curator, collective or practicing artist of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent to develop and curate an exhibition within Craft's main gallery.

The successful recipient will be provided with a curator’s fee of $4,000 and will be supported by Craft’s curatorial team in the development and delivery of the exhibition.

The selected curator is chosen through consultation with First Peoples artists and/or industry professionals to ensure the program is First Peoples-led and is representative of cultural practices and protocols.

To apply, please read through the application guidelines as outlined below. If you require this form in a different format, or wish to discuss the application with a member of the Craft team, please call 03 9650 7775 or email craft@craft.org.au.

Applications for the 2027 First Peoples-led exhibition are due Monday 28 September 10:00am AEST.

The successful applicant will receive:

A public exhibition in Craft’s Main Gallery space
A curator’s fee of $4,000;
Curatorial and exhibition development support and advice;
Project budget allocated for artist and writer fees, and a public program;
Administrative support liaising and connecting with artists, craft practitioners and writers;
Printed exhibition catalogue;
Onsite technical and installation support;
An opening event with Welcome to Country;
Photographic documentation of the exhibition installation;
Opportunities for public programs; and
Marketing and promotion.

The First Peoples-led Program

Learn more about the program and discover exhibitions in the series.

Find out more

Proposals should include the following:
- 300-500 words describing the proposed exhibition and the curatorial concepts and ideas you will explore – including how your proposal takes into consideration craft and design focused practice;
- Information and details of proposed collaborators and participants; and
- About you, including your CV and any support material, links to websites/social media, information on past exhibitions (if available).
- Strength and originality of curatorial concept;
- Proposed works/artists to include craft-based practitioners, this includes collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects;
- Viability of the exhibition and programming; and
- Culturally responsible.
Applicants must meet the following Eligibility Criteria:
- be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- be 18 years of age or older
- be Victorian based
- Complete the online application form and enter any information or details requested about you or any collaborators/participants included in your proposal.
- Applicants are encouraged to talk to Craft regarding any queries, questions or ideas via craft@craft.org.au ahead of their submission.
- Proposals may be for solo or group exhibitions.
- The exhibition installation design, method and materials must be approved by Craft prior to installation.
- The successful applicant must be available in Naarm/Melbourne for the installation of the exhibition.
- The work shown must be original and in no way infringe on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, copyright, moral rights or other rights of a third party.