By pairing curators at the start of their career with those who have years of experience in the profession, the CODART Mentoring Program sets out to give the next generation of curators a flying start in the field – and in the CODART network. In fact, this exchange works both ways: experienced curators also benefit from developing new contacts outside their own institution.

Since 2023, a total of thirty-three pairs, each consisting of an experienced curator and an early-career professional, have taken part in the program. Mentors and mentees discussed all aspects of the profession together: from organizing exhibitions to maintaining a work-life balance. As a result, joint projects were initiated, promotions were obtained, and research proposals were written. 

This year, we are broadening the criteria for mentees to also accommodate mid-career curators who want to engage in regular peer exchange with a colleague outside their own institution. Should this resonate with you, we encourage you to submit an application detailing your ideas and goals. 

Registration for the 2027 edition is now open!

See below for more practical information.

Practicalities

• Mentors and mentees can register until 29 October 2026. After that, CODART will form the pairs, taking into account the type of institution, specializations, preferences and interests of the participants;
• The program runs from January 2027 through December 2027. During this year, mentor and mentee are expected to schedule at least three meetings, either in real life or online;
• The content of these meetings is determined entirely by the participants. CODART will not play any role in this regard. A document with best practices will be sent to participants as a source of inspiration;
• CODART will remain in regular contact with the participants during the program and will always be available to answer any questions;
• The program will conclude with an online meeting attended by CODART representatives and participants of the program. This will offer an additional opportunity to exchange experiences and to expand the networks of all involved.

Register for the CODART Mentoring Program

We expect mentors to meet the following criteria:

• You have a permanent appointment as a curator within a museum;
• You have at least five years of work experience as a curator in a museum;
• You have curated several exhibitions.

To register as a mentee, you:

• Are a full member of CODART (associate members of CODART are not eligible);

Either: 

• Have not been working as a curator in the museum for very long. Junior curators or curatorial fellows are welcome to register as a mentee;

or:

• Are a curator beyond the early-career stage seeking a sounding board or regular peer exchange with an external colleague. 

Read more about the CODART Mentoring Program

Curious about previous participants’ experiences? Read the recently published CODARTfeature Connecting Curators: Insights from CODART’s Mentoring Program with Jane Simpkiss and Austėja Mackelaitė, in which two curators reflect on their time in the Mentoring Program. Or dive into a 2023 CODARTfeature, in which several participants from the first edition of the Program share their experiences.

The Friends of CODART Foundation supports the CODART Mentoring Program. Participants are able to apply for a (partial) reimbursement of travel costs made in the context of the mentoring program, in case these are not covered by their institutions. More information about the budget and criteria will be shared with participants when they are matched to their mentor/mentee.