ART ICHOL CURATOR’S FORUM (AICF) 2026
About the Forum
The Art Ichol Curator’s Forum is envisioned as a pioneering platform that brings together a dynamic cohort of early and mid-career curators for an immersive three-day residency at Art Ichol. This unique program offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage in reflective dialogue, cross-cultural learning and mentorship with some of the most respected voices in the field of contemporary curation.
Curating today is not merely about exhibition-making, it is about building narratives, fostering communities and reimagining cultural responsibilities. The Forum invites emerging curators to explore these ideas in-depth through guided discussions, peer exchanges and site-responsive experiences.
Our Mentors
Why Apply
This is an opportunity to learn, grow and connect with leading practitioners in the arts ecosystem.
Selected curators will gain:
- Direct mentorship from senior curators and cultural practitioners
- Immersive sessions on various aspects of curation
- Space for critical reflection and collaborative dialogue
- Exposure to the creative environment at Art Ichol
- A chance to build lifelong networks and cross-disciplinary collaborations
Logistics
- Dates: 13th – 15th February 2026
- Venue: Art Ichol, Maihar, Madhya Pradesh
- Travel: Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements to and from Art Ichol. The Nearest Airports are Jabalpur and Khajuraho. Railway station is Maihar.
- Accommodation: Will be provided by the host
- Meals: Will be provided by the host
- Fees: There are no fees for the selected participants
Who Can Apply
- Early to mid-career curators, independent or institution-based
- Individuals actively engaged in exhibition-making, art writing or cultural programming
- Applicants from India and South Asia are encouraged (Letter of Invitation shall be provided to selected applicants who would need a Visa)
Application Requirements
Interested applicants must submit the following:
- Statement of Purpose (max 500 words) – describing your curatorial journey, key interests and what you hope to gain from the Forum
- Short Bio (max 200 words)
- Portfolio or Links to Previous Work (up to 3 projects)
- Contact Information (email, phone number, current city)
Timeline
- Last Date for Application Submission: 25th December 2025
- Announcement of Selected Participants: 5th January 2026
- Program Dates: 13th – 15th February 2026
How to Apply
Please download the Application Form, fill out and submit all materials through email to info@artichol.in
(Please right click on Application Form and choose Save link as)
our awards
MP state tourism award
state tourism award for the most responsible project
national tourism award for "the most unique & innovative destination in india"
nari shakti puraskar for outstanding contribution to women's empowerment
Devi award
Design award
Meet the team
Art Patron for the last 25 years, Ambica Beri is the Founding Director of Art Ichol and Gallery Sanskriti. A textile designer by training, she chose to follow her passion and nurture art and artists, through her gallery and other establishments. She supports various underprivileged artists and children and facilities new dialogue and experimentation in artistic creation. She now creates on an altogether different plane.
Bhavana Sabherwal has been working as a volunteer in the field of Art, Culture, and Education, for over twenty years and is the Delhi representative of Gallery Sanskriti, Kolkata, since 1996. Trained in Hindustani Classical Music, she has an innate passion for music and dance and is currently also imparting music training and guidance to children and adults.
Art Historian, independent advisor for Museums and cultural spaces and a curator. She is working towards revival and conservation of the some of the lesser known and critically endangered arts and crafts traditions of India. She has organised Cultural Festivals, Workshops, Seminars and Demonstrations etc. to support some of the fading and dying traditions of India.
