First Peoples-led Exhibition Series

Invitation to apply for the 2025 First Peoples-led Exhibition

Craft Victoria is now seeking expressions of interest to curate the 2025 First Peoples-led exhibition. The exhibition series is an initiative established by Craft in 2020 to platform First Nations 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 and Exhibitions Manager in the development of the exhibition.

The selected curator is chosen through consultation with an advisory panel of First Nations artists and/or industry professionals to ensure the program is First Nations-led and is representative of cultural practices and protocols. The exhibition coincides annually with NAIDOC Week.

To apply, please read through the application guidelines as outlined below. If you require this form in a different format for accessibility reasons, please call 03 9650 7775 or email eliza@craft.org.au to request an alternative version.
Applications for the 2025 First Peoples-led exhibition are due Monday 12 August 11.59pm AEST

The successful applicant will receive:-

A 6-week public exhibition in Craft’s Main Gallery space (28 Jun – 2 Aug 2025);
A curator’s fee of $4,000;
Curatorial and exhibition development support and advice;
Allocated project budget and artist fees;
Assistance liaising and connecting with artists, craft practitioners and writers;
Printed exhibition catalogue;
Onsite technical and installation assistance;
An opening event with Welcome to Country;
Photography documentation of the exhibition installation;
Opportunities for public programs; and
Marketing and promotion.

Proposals must 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 your 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 within Craft’s creative 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’s Curatorial and Exhibitions Manager, Eliza Tiernan, regarding any queries, questions or ideas via eliza@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 and de-installation of the exhibition.
- The work shown must be original and in no way infringe on copyright, moral rights or other rights of a third party.
- Works in the exhibition should preferably be available for sale through Craft by agreement.
- Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Decisions by the selection committee are final. Craft will endeavour to keep unsuccessful applicants up to date with future opportunities.