What does it mean to curate your way through the world?

As part of Curating Otherwise, HOUSE OF DREAD is inviting emerging curators from across the UK to respond to this question.

We're looking for people who are shaping culture in thoughtful, imaginative and community-rooted ways. You might curate exhibitions, organise public programmes, create digital platforms, produce events, build archives, work through sound, film or performance, or bring people together around ideas, places and shared experiences. We welcome approaches that expand how curating is understood and practised today.

Selected applicants will receive a £500 honourarium and the opportunity to present their work as part of Curating Otherwise: The Gathering at Southbank Centre in November 2026, alongside artists, curators and cultural practitioners from across the programme.

Who is this for?

We define an emerging curator broadly. This might include someone who is:

  • developing an independent curatorial practice

  • early in their curatorial career

  • working outside traditional arts institutions

  • creating projects within communities, public spaces or digital platforms

  • exploring new approaches to exhibitions, programming, archives or cultural organising

We welcome applications from individuals whose practice reflects a wide range of disciplines, perspectives and lived experiences.

How to apply

Complete the application form and submit by Friday 31st August 2026:

  • A response (up to 250 words) to the question:
    What does it mean to curate your way through the world?

  • A short description (up to 250 words) of a curatorial project, programme or initiative that responds to your answer. This can be completed, ongoing or in development.

Selected proposals will become part of Curating Otherwise: The Gathering at Southbank Centre.