LADW 2026 Curator Residency Application
Welcome!
LA Design Week/end 2026 will take place September 30 - October 4. Please read the overview below before applying.
LADW 2025 saw incredible growth, with 120+ hosts, programming across 15+ neighborhoods, and more than 12,000 attendees exploring Los Angeles through design. The momentum from this past year highlighted just how much creativity and community energy exists across the city and how much people want to engage with it.
Building on that, we’re introducing the Curator Residency for LADW 2026.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This application is for curators, including emerging curators, interested in organizing a group exhibition as part of LA Design Week/end. This can be your first exhibition—prior curatorial experience is not required.
Curators will primarily select works from the LADW Open Call and shape them into a cohesive exhibition.
Applicants may apply from anywhere, but must be based in Los Angeles from September 21–October 9, 2026.
ABOUT THE CURATOR RESIDENCY
The Curator Residency is an opportunity to develop and produce a group exhibition with support from the LADW team.
Selected curators will receive:
A production stipend (allocated toward exhibition costs; not a personal fee)
Support securing an exhibition space (or approval of a proposed space)
Guidance from the LADW programming team throughout the process
Exhibitions should be grounded in a strong curatorial concept and reflect the themes and values of LA Design Week/end.
STRUCTURE + EXPECTATIONS
Curators will:
Develop an original exhibition concept
Select participating artists and works, primarily from the LADW Open Call
Supplement with additional works if needed, while maintaining Open Call submissions as the core of the exhibition
Manage their exhibition budget and production plan
Curators are expected to lead the creative direction while working collaboratively with LADW on production and alignment.
DELIVERABLES
Selected curators will be required to submit:
Exhibition concept and curatorial statement
Artist list (primarily selected from Open Call submissions)
Detailed budget and production plan, including vendor quotes (due by assigned deadline)
Additional onboarding materials and timelines will be provided upon acceptance.
SELECTION
Up to 5 curators will be selected for the 2026 residency.
Selection is based on curatorial vision, clarity of proposal, and alignment with LADW’s programming goals.
TIMELINE
Curator Residency Application
Applications Open: April 22, 2026
Applications Close: May 8, 2026
Notifications Sent: May 15, 2026
Open Call Submissions
Applications Open: February 1, 2026
Applications Close: May 31, 2026
Notifications Sent: June 15, 2026
IMPORTANT NOTES
Curators must be available in Los Angeles from September 21–October 9, 2026
Final exhibitions will take place during LA Design Week/end, September 30 - October 4, 2026
The production stipend is intended for exhibition costs only and does not include a curator fee
Participation is not guaranteed
SUBMISSION
Please submit:
Website
Instagram
A brief cover letter explaining why you want to participate in the Curator Residency
We look forward to reviewing your application!