Opportunities

Call for Applications:  

Paid Curatorial Internships (2025 - 2026) 

 

Deadline: Monday, October 20 2025, 11:59 pm (Atlantic) 

 

Dalhousie Art Gallery invites applications for a cohort of two paid five-month internships for emerging curators interested in developing an equity-informed, socially engaged curatorial practice. 

 

This professional development opportunity is designed for curators committed to diverse artistic perspectives, supporting underrepresented voices, and fostering approaches that are both critical and community centered. The Gallery works in close collaboration with artists, cultural workers, and community partners to present exhibitions and programs that reflect the cultural richness of Mi’kma’ki and connect with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. 

 

We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic creatives for two distinct but interconnected mentorship streams: 

Stream 1: African Nova Scotian / Black Canadian Curator Mentorship 

For an emerging curator who self-identifies as African Nova Scotian and/or Black Canadian. This mentorship offers the opportunity to explore curatorial work through an anti-racist and diasporic frameworks. The intern will be encouraged to bring their own research interests, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences into curatorial projects.  

Stream 2: Indigenous Curator Mentorship 

For an emerging Indigenous curator (Mi’kmaw applicants prioritized). First Nations, Inuit, and Métis curators are welcome to apply. The mentorship supports community-engaged practice, integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural protocols, and storytelling into curatorial work.  

 

What Both Streams Offer 

  • Mentorship and guidance: work with experienced curators and Gallery team, with opportunities to learn directly from visiting artists, scholars and community leaders.  

  • Hands-on experience in exhibition development, public programming, collections research, critical writing and community collaboration. 

  • Professional development through workshops, studio visits, and networking opportunities with cultural workers locally, nationally, and internationally. 

  •  A supportive cohort experience, working alongside another intern in a parallel stream while developing distinct projects. 

  • Funding: Project and professional development support (including travel, artist and writing fees and related expenses). 

  • Exhibition Opportunity: The program culminates in the presentation of an on-site, offsite or online curated project with Dalhousie Art Gallery. 

 

Program Details:  

  • Duration: November 3, 2025 – April 3, 2026 

  • Time commitment: hybrid and in-gallery, up to 24 hours/ week 

  • Compensation: $15,000 CAD total stipend per mentee over the program. Additional funding available as noted above.  

 

How to Apply: 

 

Please email one PDF document to pamela.edmonds@dal.ca with the subject line:  

- “YOUR NAME: African Nova Scotian / Black Canadian Curator Mentorship” or 

- “YOUR NAME: Indigenous Curator Mentorship”  

 

Include: 

  1. Letter of intent (max 2 pages) addressing: 2 – 3 goals for the internship; how this support will benefit your current work; how you’ll devote time alongside other commitments; key challenges in your practice and strategies you’re exploring. 

  1. CV (max 3 pages) 

  1. Two writing samples (max 6 pages total) 

  1. Two references with contact information 

We welcome applicants early in their curatorial careers, whether from academic, community, or self-directed backgrounds who are eager to expand skills, connect with diverse publics, and work within an equity-based framework. Applicants may be current students, recent graduates, or those new to the field.  Priority will be given to applications who are currently based in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).  

 

We thank all applicants for their interest; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

For inquiries or more information, and if you require accommodations at any stage, please contact: Pamela Edmonds, Director/Curator, Dalhousie Art Gallery, pamela.edmonds@dal.ca