This residency program, in its inaugural year, supports a youth curator in planning a 3 month exhibition from conception to execution with mentorship from Essence Harden, the prominent curator, arts writer, and academic, known most recently for their curation work for EXPO Chicago, the Focus section for Frieze LA, and the Hammer Museum’s biennial “Made in LA”.

The resident receives a $2500 stipend and a separate budget for exhibiting youth artist fees, further platforming 7-10 BIPOC youth artists.

The residency is open to BIPOC curators ages 18 to 25 based in L.A. County. Applicants submit a 100-200 word exhibition proposal and 3-5 artists they hope to work with. Proposals are reviewed by a jury of curators and arts leaders, including the residency's mentor, with selection based on curatorial vision, conceptual strength, and feasibility.

2026 Jurors

Essence Harden
Senior Curator, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Kristin Juarez, PhD
Manager of Collections, California African American Museum (CAAM)

Nicole Shostak-Sabourian
Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Sovern LA