Two week summer school: How to curate Contemporary Art & Design

This 2026 summer school explores curating contemporary art in public contexts, focusing on how curatorial practice expands beyond traditional gallery settings into public and social environments.

What you'll learn

The course takes a collaborative, discussion-led approach, offering opportunities to connect and network with an international peer group. It examines how art is developed and experienced in public space through key themes, including:

• The social role and shared value of public art
• Ethical approaches to community collaboration
• The complexity of public and civic spaces
• Engaging diverse audiences and publics
• Environmentally responsible curatorial practices
• Interdisciplinary and process-led approaches.

Together, these areas provide insight into innovative global practices in curating and commissioning contemporary art in public contexts. All participants receive a certificate of online attendance.

Who is this course for?

Since 2016, the course has attracted professionals from a wide range of international cultural and research organisations and is designed for:

• Individuals interested in curating beyond gallery environments
• Those exploring public space as a site for artistic practice
• Participants seeking to activate meaning within specific places and communities.

How you'll learn

Delivered online, the course offers a highly interactive and collaborative learning environment. You'll take part in:

• Critical discussions and group debate
• Practical workshops and exercises
• Collaborative and peer-led activities
• Practice-based learning approaches.

Course leadership

• The course is convened by Elisabeth Del Prete, with support from Thomas Cury (CCA, MA 2023).
• It is led by Professor Victoria Walsh, Head of Programme, Curating Contemporary Art (CCA) at the Royal College of Art.

Guest speakers

Our guest speakers bring diverse professional, cultural, and international perspectives. Through their work, they explore how contemporary curating can shape inclusive, dynamic, and critically engaged public spaces:

• Amal Khalaf (Curator, UK)
• DAAR - Decolonising Architecture Art Research (Architects, Palestine/Sweden)
• Tamsin Dillon (Curator, US)
• Marie-Anne McQuay (Curator, UK)
• Alia Farid (Artist, Kuwait/Puerto Rico)
• Rose Lejeune (Curator, UK/Qatar)
• Veeranganakumari Solanki (Curator, India)
• Harold Offeh (Artist, UK)
• Adam Jovanović Kaasa (Artist, UK)
• Dr Helena Rivera (Architect and Educator, UK)

Fees

• Regular Fee: £1,875
• Applications Close: Monday 15 June 2026

Duration

The course runs over two weeks, from 10.00am – 1.30pm (BST), with five 3.5 hour sessions per week.

How to apply

Applications for 2026 are now open and must be submitted via the online form.

To apply, you will need to upload:

• A 300-word statement outlining your experience and interest in the course
• A current CV

Please name your CV file: Full Name_CV_2026 Curating Application

All applications must be complete and submitted through the form. Incomplete submissions or files exceeding size limits will not be considered, and applications cannot be edited after submission.

Shortlisted applicants will receive a booking link and payment deadline by email. Places are confirmed only upon receipt of full payment, which must be made online in a single instalment.