Call for applications: EMMA-Saastamoinen Curatorial Fellowship 2026-2027

ESPOO.— EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art and Saastamoinen Foundation invite applications for the second edition of the international EMMA-Saastamoinen Curatorial Fellowship Programme: a six-month paid curatorial research period taking place in Finland from September 2026 to February 2027.

Launched in 2025, EMMA-Saastamoinen Curatorial Fellowship Programme is a three-year initiative dedicated to fostering curatorial research and international exchange. Each year, one curator is selected through an open call for a six-month, paid curatorial research period in Finland. The fellowship is hosted by EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Finland’s largest art museum, specialising in modern and contemporary art and design, and housed in an iconic landmark of 1960s industrial concrete architecture.

Open to curators at any career stage, the programme offers a unique opportunity to develop independent research, engage with Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection, one of Finland’s most significant collections of contemporary and modern art, and collaborate with EMMA’s exhibition and collection teams in a dynamic, supportive museum environment.

Applications are now open!

Fellowship period: September 1, 2026–February 28, 2027

Application deadline: Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:59pm Finnish time (UTC +02:00).

Programme highlights

During the programme, each fellow produces a research-based article that reflects their engagement with Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection. At the end of the fellowship period, articles will be published on EMMA’s online platform, EMMA Zone, and later included in a compiled publication featuring all fellowship participants. EMMA Zone offers a space for reflection, curiosity, and discovery through thematic zones featuring articles, artist videos, and behind-the-scenes stories. Fellows are also encouraged to explore innovative collection-based curatorial approaches to support the renewal of the Saastamoinen Foundation Collection Exhibition.

What the fellowship offers

The fellowship provides dedicated time for research, collaboration with EMMA’s curatorial and collections teams, and opportunities to engage with the Finnish art scene. EMMA’s collaborative and multi-professional environment supports experimentation, dialogue, and professional growth.

Eligibility

The programme is open to curators from outside Finland at any stage of their career who demonstrate a strong interest in contemporary art and curatorial research. It is intended exclusively for international applicants, including those based outside Finland as well as non-Finnish residents currently living in the country. Please note that Finnish citizens are not eligible to apply.

Fellowship details

Duration: 6 months (September 2026 - February 2027)
Salary: EUR 3,534.00/month (gross)
Support: Workspace at EMMA, economy-class travel to and from Finland, residence permit costs covered, and assistance with finding accommodation.

Interested?

Full application details and instructions, including the application form, are available on EMMA’s website. Application deadline is Thursday, 30 October, 2025 at 11:59pm Finnish time (UTC +02:00).

Questions?

For inquiries related to the fellowship or application process, please contact us exclusively at: rekry@emmamuseum.fi and write "Fellowship Inquiry" to the subject line. To help us respond efficiently, we kindly ask that all inquiries be sent only to this address. Messages sent elsewhere may not reach the team handling applications.