Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is seeking expressions of interest from curators to join our Curatorial Panel — a new initiative to create a pool of talented curators to work on exhibitions.
Submit your application to work on exhibitions at the DCCI National Design & Craft Gallery, exhibitions and fairs at home and abroad, and other ad-hoc projects as they arise in line with the DCCI Mission, Strategy and Vision.
Please submit by 5pm, Friday, 25th July 2025
We’re looking for a diverse mix of thinkers, makers, and curators who can bring their expertise, fresh perspectives and dynamic approach to showcasing craft and design in all its forms — from traditional practices to cutting-edge innovation and an ambition to present work in a fresh, thought-provoking way.
Are you passionate about craft and design?
Do you have a curatorial vision that challenges conventions?
Are you a champion of makers and designers?
Do you engage with diverse audiences?
As a member of our Curatorial Panel, you will:
- Contribute to the development of exhibitions
- Propose and shape new curatorial ideas and themes
- Support the selection of artists and makers for key DCCI projects
- Collaborate with the organisation’s team on research, writing, and interpretation
- Manage the design and delivery of exhibition brand and communications materials in conjunction with relevant stakeholders
- Manage liaison with contributing artists to ensure timely and quality delivery of exhibitions and supporting materials
- Support where appropriate in terms of promotion through media and other channels
Panel members will be invited to work on a project-specific basis, depending on programming needs and suitability. Being part of the panel is not a guarantee that you will be selected to work on a project over the two years that you are on the panel.
We welcome expressions of interest from:
- Independent curators, early-career or established
- Artists, designers, or makers with curatorial experience
- Individuals from all parts of Ireland — North and South — and from diverse backgrounds
What we are looking for:
- Demonstrated curatorial interest in craft and/or design
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A considered, critical curatorial voice and fresh ideas
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to inclusive practice
- A commitment to inclusive and collaborative working practices
- Experience of working with international organisations is a plus
About the Panel:
- There will be a maximum of 25 curators on the panel
- This is a flexible, part-time opportunity designed to support and amplify a range of curatorial voices over a 2 year period
- The panel will be refreshed every 2 years, it will be necessary to re-apply to be part of the panel each time
- Any curatorial work required by DCCI will be conducted by a member of this panel
- Being on the panel is not a guarantee that you will be commissioned to work on a project
- Projects will be assigned in 2 ways:
- Panel members will be invited to respond to a pitch document
- Projects/exhibitions will be assigned to the curator who’s experience best matches the programme requirements
How to Apply:
Provide us with the following:
- A short statement (max 500 words) outlining your curatorial interests and why you’d like to be part of the panel
- A CV or short biography
- Examples of previous curatorial work, writing, cataloguing, promotional, display, branding material and relevant projects
Application deadline:
Submit your application by 5pm, Friday, 25th July 2025
For any questions or access needs related to this call-out, please contact [email protected]
DCCI is committed to achieving the highest standards of GDPR compliance. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that your personal data is handled and stored securely, kept only as long as is necessary and not shared with third parties – other than with external assessors to review this application.