Are you a contemporary craft curator based in the Indian Ocean region? Are you enthusiastic about shaping cultural narratives about craft and the region?
We are seeking engaged and knowledgeable individuals to join the curatorial panel for the third Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA) which will open in Western Australia in October 2027. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an internationally recognised event that celebrates craft, innovation, and cultural exchange.
First Nations’ curators and curators of IOR descent are encouraged to apply.
About IOTA
IOTA fosters dialogue, collaboration, and visibility for craft practitioners across the Indian Ocean region. Our vision is to create an inclusive platform that highlights the important role of contemporary craft (past, present & future), vital to health, economies, as well as artistic and cultural expression.
Based in Western Australia IOTA is a platform for telling compelling stories about the Indian Ocean region by contemporary artists and artisans using the materials and skills associated with craft. The skills, traditions and histories of thousands of years of craft practices continue to contribute to societies, and invent new ways of transmitting cultural knowledge.
IOTA is looking for people who demonstrate the following:
- Expertise: craft, artisans, innovative approaches
- Diversity: geographic, cultural, gender, and professional diversity.
- Influence: folks with networks that can amplify IOTA’s visibility.
- Compatibility: folks who are collaborative, generous of spirit, and can commit to the timeline to 2027
Opportunities for Engagement
We welcome expressions of interest for various levels of involvement, including:
● Lead Curators – Oversee and shape the thematic and artistic direction.
● Advisory Curators – Provide insights and recommendations on curation and programming.
● Guest Contributors – Offer specialised knowledge, research, or exhibition input.
Why do you want to be involved?
Participation in IOTA offers valuable benefits, including:
● Making a meaningful creative impact in shaping contemporary craft discourse.
● Networking with leading practitioners, institutions, and thought leaders.
● Increased visibility within the global craft and arts community.
● Flexible levels of engagement to suit your expertise and availability.
● Access to IOTA’s network and resources.
● Honorariums offered for key roles.
Application Process
To express your interest, please submit:
- A current CV.
- A letter outlining:
- your interest
- relevant experience,
- how you align with IOTA’s vision and
- your availability 2025-2027.
- Responses to the following questions:
- In your view, what are the biggest challenges and most exciting opportunities for contemporary craft in the Indian Ocean region today?
- How do you see your skills and experience helping to shape IOTA’s vision and impact?
PLEASE NOTE: we are not looking for artist or exhibition proposals at this stage. It will be the task of the selected curators to develop these and to work with our exhibition partners towards exhibition outcomes in 2027. IOTA27 will take place October – December 2027 in Western Australia.
Closing Date
Applications close 9am, Western Australia time (+8 GMT) Monday 31 March 2025.
Submit your application online
Applications must be submitted through this process, not by direct email.
Preview the online form (pdf).
Further Information
Download a PDF of this ‘Open Call’.
Read more about IOTA here.
For inquiries & queries, please contact Curatorial Development Chair, Jude van der Merwe: jude@indianoceancrafttriennial.com
The Indian Ocean Craft Triennial Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. ABN 90 705 472 375
The IOTA Curatorial Development is supported by the Western Australian Government through the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries and the Centre for Australia- India Relations’ Maitri Cultural Partnership Grant, with additional organisational support from Creative Australia Visual Arts & Craft Fund and founding partner Curtin University.
