421 invites curators and collectives to propose exhibitions for Winter/Spring 2027 in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on critical inquiry and contemporary practices across Arabic-speaking geographies.
421 has announced an open call for exhibition proposals, inviting curators and curatorial collectives to submit ideas for a project to be developed and presented at the centre during the Winter/Spring 2027 period. The opportunity is designed to support curators engaging with contemporary artistic practices in the UAE and the wider Arabic-speaking world, including diasporic contexts.
Focus and Criteria
Applicants are encouraged to put forward tightly framed, research-driven curatorial concepts that demonstrate a clear vision and readiness for exhibition development. Proposals should address themes of urgency and resonance, reflecting on questions such as:
- What narratives are currently shaping Arabic-speaking geographies?
- What artistic gestures are emerging from the margins of these contexts?
- How can curatorial work become a space for listening, translation, and reimagination?
421 welcomes experimental exhibition formats while maintaining practical parameters: significant architectural interventions within the gallery space are discouraged unless essential to the proposal.
Support and Resources
Selected curators will receive:
- A competitive curatorial fee (shared in the case of a collective)
- Full production support, including fabrication, shipping, and installation
- Comprehensive marketing and promotion through 421’s channels
- Collaboration on interpretive materials with the curator and participating artists
- An exhibition in Gallery 2 at 421, with a floor plan available for reference
Building Critical Curatorial Practices
Through this open call, 421 continues its commitment to fostering experimental and critical curatorial work in the region. The initiative is designed to serve as a platform for exploring new narratives and promoting collaboration across diverse geographies, disciplines, and perspectives.
Applications are due by Monday, 20 October 2025, and must be submitted via Submittable.
