Curator Open Call
Curator Open Call
Curator Open Call - Winter 2026
We've got a space booked. It's yours to fill.
coat has a funded exhibition space in central London for a week-long winter 2026 show. We're looking for a curator with a concept to bring it to life.
This is an open call. We're not looking for a specific background or level of experience - if you have an idea for a group show and the drive to make it happen, we want to hear from you.
About coat
coat is a London-based collaborative that builds creative communities through in-person conversation and collective engagement. We create physical spaces where artists connect, exchange ideas, and develop their practice together - through exhibitions, crit groups, and studio visits.
We're volunteer-run and donation-supported, and we keep all our events free and accessible. Our community is built on artist-to-artist connection, and everything we do is rooted in that.
This opportunity is open to London-based curators and artists only. Our focus is building and strengthening the London artist community, and we want this show to be part of that.
Take a look at our previous shows at coatcollaborative.com to get a sense of what we do.
The space
The exhibition will take place in central London, space and dates to be announced.
What we're looking for
A clear group exhibition concept
A concept responsive to the space and its layout
An open call element as part of your artist selection process
Willingness to select and liaise with artists
Hands-on involvement in install and the run of the show
What being a curator involves with coat
Taking on this curatorial role means owning the show from concept to close. Here's what that looks like in practice:
Concept & artist selection
Developing your exhibition concept and selecting artists through an open call process. This includes writing and distributing your open call, reviewing applications, and confirming your final selection.Marketing & promotion
Working with coat to produce the show poster and promotional materials. You'll have input into how the exhibition is presented publicly across coat's channels.Logistics & install
Coordinating artist drop-off and collection of works, and organising the install. coat will be on hand to support, but the curator leads.Invigilating the space
Organising invigilators for the duration of the week-long show - whether that's yourself, your artists, or a rota of volunteers.Private view
Planning and running the opening event with support from coat.
Please note this is a volunteer role for a one time funded exhibition.
What coat provides
A funded central London exhibition space for one week, there is no charge for artists or curators to participate.
Promotional materials and organisational support
Hands-on support during install
Access to an existing network of London-based artists
How to apply
You can apply individually or as a curatorial group. Fill in our form and attach a PDF proposal of no more than 10 pages. We care more about the idea than the presentation.
Your proposal should include:
Your concept — what is the exhibition about and why does it matter to you?
Your approach to the space — how does your concept respond to a high street shop unit with three usable walls and a street-facing shop front?
Artist selection — how do you plan to find and select artists, and what does your open call process look like?
A rough timeline — how would you plan the project from selection through to install and private view?
About you — a short bio or statement, and any relevant experience (curatorial or otherwise). If applying as a group, include this for each person.