Fully funded Zeitz MOCAA and UWC Museum Fellowship Programme 2027 for emerging African art professionals.
21 April 2026
Open Call:
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape, invites applications for the 2027 Museum Fellowship Programme. This year-long, fully funded programme combines practical museum training with postgraduate academic study, aimed at developing the next generation of curators, researchers and arts professionals across Africa.
Institutional Context:
The fellowship is a collaboration between Zeitz MOCAA and UWC, designed to strengthen Africa’s art and heritage sectors through critical research, curatorial practice and professional training. Fellows work within key museum departments such as curatorial practice, exhibition design, collection management and art education, while simultaneously completing a postgraduate degree at UWC. The programme emphasises the relationship between theory and practice, culminating in collaborative research outputs and public programming.
Eligibility and Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country and demonstrate a strong commitment to contemporary African art and heritage.
- Preferred candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in art, heritage, museum studies or a related humanities field, with the ability to work at a postgraduate level.
- Additional requirements include 2-3 years of relevant professional experience, strong writing skills, and proficiency in English.
- Knowledge of African and diasporic art is essential.
Evaluation Process:
Applications are reviewed competitively, with only the first 100 submissions considered. Selection is based on academic readiness, professional experience, writing ability and demonstrated engagement with contemporary African art and museum practice. Successful applicants will be notified by early August 2026.
Practical Information:
The fellowship runs from February 2027 to January 2028 and is based in Cape Town.
It includes full tuition for postgraduate study at UWC, accommodation, a monthly stipend and basic health insurance. Fellows spend three days per week at the museum and two days on academic coursework.
Travel and visa costs are not covered.
The application deadline is 30 June 2026, and only the first 100 applications will be considered.
Applications and Queries:
Applications must be submitted online, including the required materials: a motivation letter, CV, writing sample, academic records, and references. For further information or queries, applicants can contact the programme via the official Zeitz MOCAA channels or the submission email provided on the application page.
