In preparation for for the 2026 Images Festival, applications for the
Curator-in-Residence program are open! One curator will be selected from this process to join the 2026
residency. This selected curator will be invited to develop programming in response to the
festival’s forthcoming theme, “Metabolizing Moving Images,” and will curate a minimum of two
screenings by reviewing and selecting work submitted through our open call.
The selected Curator-in-Residence will receive a curatorial honorarium of $4,000 CAD, a
separate programming budget, and comprehensive administrative and production support from
the festival team—including hosting in-person screening sessions of festival submissions; artist
contracting and payment; media quality control; venue coordination; communications and
outreach support; editorial assistance; and more. The resident will be supported by the
Residency and Submissions Coordinator and will have access to the Images Festival archive,
office, and shared spaces at 401 Richmond.
Over the course of the residency, the curator will participate in collective submission screening
sessions, attend regular meetings, and be present for their own curated programs during the
festival. Each resident will develop and deliver at least two moving image programs,
incorporating at least one open call submission per program, meeting all Canadian content
requirements, and will write a programmatic essay for each program. Public, post-screening
discussions featuring participating artists are expected, though alternative public engagement
proposals are welcome, pending approval by the Programming Director. A final residency
feedback form will be required after the festival concludes.
The 2026 residency will host up to three Curators-in-Residence working both independently and
in dialogue with one another. While each curator may develop their own distinct programs,
shared discussion, feedback, and mutual support across the cohort are encouraged. Residents
must be available to attend in-person submission screening sessions (approx. 800 short films of
varying lengths) and must be present in Toronto to participate during October and November.
The residency runs from October 2025 to May 2026, inclusive.
The festival is scheduled for April 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
Application Requirements
Applicants should be mid-career to established curators or programmers with demonstrated
experience in experimental moving image practices, a developed body of work, and a history of
public programming.
Statement of Interest (500–750 words)
● Describe why you’re interested in the Curator-in-Residence program.
● Share how your curatorial approach aligns with Images Festival and how you might
engage with the upcoming festival theme.
● Highlight what you hope to explore, learn, or contribute during the residency.
www.imagesfestival.com 309–401 Richmond StWest
[email protected] Toronto ON, M5V 3A8 Canada
2. CV and Bio (4 pages max)
● Include relevant curatorial, artistic, academic, or community experience.
● Collaborative, experimental, or non-institutional practices are welcome.
3. Writing Sample and Past Work Sample
● One sample of curatorial writing relevant to experimental moving image practices.
● A portfolio or documentation of five (5) projects or programs that include moving image
practices (include links if digital).
4. Access and Support Needs (Optional)
● Let us know if there are any accessibility needs or supports that would make your
participation possible or more meaningful.
5. Contact Information
● Full name, pronouns (optional), email address, phone number, and location.
Deadline to apply: August 22, 2025
Please send applications to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Curator-in-Residence Application.” Combine all documents into a single .pdf. Early
applications are encouraged. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
Equity and Access
Images Festival is committed to providing an accessible festival and workplace, and continues
to work to reduce systemic barriers to participation in our events and employment. We welcome
and encourage applications from people with disabilities, people who self-identify as Black,
Indigenous, People of Colour, Racialized, and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Accommodations are available on
request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
