MOPOP Guest Curator Program 2026-2027 Application

OVERVIEW

MOPOP’s Guest Curator Program highlights emerging curators and voices, providing insights into exhibition creation, development, and final installation. Guest curators receive hands-on experience working with MOPOP’s Curatorial, Collections, and Exhibits teams while sharing valuable new perspectives and interpretations of MOPOP’s permanent and oral history collections. Supporting emerging curators is vital to infusing fresh perspectives at MOPOP. The contributions of emerging curators invigorate the museum field, making it more inclusive, innovative, and reflective of the ever-changing landscape of popular culture.

Please check out current Guest Curator Program exhibitions here.

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PROGRAM TIMELINE AND KEY EXHIBITION DATES

• Applications open: February 9, 2026
• Last day to submit applications: April 27, 2026
• Interviews: June 2026
• Guest Curator Start Date: July 27, 2025
• Exhibition Install Date: March 2027

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GOALS

• Support emerging professionals in curatorial and exhibition museum fields.
• Provide hands-on learning in exhibition creation, curation, design, and marketing.
• Create a responsive space to address contemporary pop culture.
• Showcase new voices and diverse narratives.
• Utilize MOPOP Permanent Collection objects and oral histories for public accessibility.
• Facilitate collaborative growth with Guest Curator and MOPOP staff.
• Provide teachable moments for MOPOP with new ways to see the permanent collection—and its strengths and weaknesses.

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PROGAM OUTLINE

Guest Curators work closely with MOPOP Collections and Curatorial staff to select objects and oral histories from the MOPOP Permanent Collection to create a small exhibition on the topic(s) of their choosing. Curators create the exhibition text and any audio/visual components in their own curatorial voice. The exhibition can be related to existing exhibitions, programs, or contain standalone content. Working closely with MOPOP Curators, Exhibition Design, and Collections, the Guest Curator creates layouts for their casework with opportunities to learn more about mounting and exhibition floorplan creation. They are provided with hands-on installation experience as well as the chance to work closely with the MOPOP Marketing team.

Location: 262 square feet

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop, research, and curate an exhibition including:
  • Artifact selection.
  • Exhibition text and interpretation creation.
  • Curate the selection and interpretation of artifacts.
• Engage with museum visitors, offering insights into the exhibition.
• Work with MOPOP Marketing to create a blog post and social media content promoting the exhibition.
• Participate in public programs, lectures, press, and panel discussions as opportunities arise.

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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Guest Curators receive compensation of $5,000 for their dedication and hard work. This compensation reflects MOPOP's commitment to supporting emerging professionals in the curatorial and exhibition museum field, and it acknowledges the importance of their unique voices and content.

Participating in this program goes beyond financial compensation, as it fosters personal and professional growth, encouraging collaboration and learning for both Guest Curators and MOPOP staff.

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Qualifications:

• A background in art history, cultural studies, museum studies, or related field.
• Demonstrated interest and knowledge in pop culture, including but not limited to music, film, television, gaming, fashion, and literature.
• Strong research, writing and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• A passion for engaging with diverse audiences.

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Application Requirements:

1. Resume/CV
2. (TWO) References: Provide contact information for two professional or academic references who can speak to your qualifications.
3. Curatorial Proposal (500-700 words):
   • ‍Outline your proposed project or exhibition idea. Explain its significance in the context of pop culture and why it aligns with MOPOP's mission.‍
     • Short statement: Share your general thoughts or ideas about pop culture
     • Final exhibition is subject to change in conversation with MOPOP curatorial team, depending on artifact availability and space requirements.
4. Portfolio (Optional): Include samples of your curatorial/artwork, such as exhibition plans, research papers, or related projects.
5. Application Period: February 9 - April 27, 2026
   • Please submit your application materials to guestcuratorprogram@mopop.org with the subject line "Guest Curator Program Application - [Your Name]".

We look forward to receiving your exciting proposals and collaborating with you to shape the future of pop culture exhibitions at MOPOP!