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About
Since its inception in 2003 under the guiding vision of Suzanne Fiol (1960-2009), ISSUE’s programming has demonstrated a commitment to expanding the boundaries of artistic practice. Suzanne was an extraordinary spirit, a force of nature and a prominent figure in the visual and performing arts worlds as both an artist and curator.
ISSUE Project Room is pleased to announce the 2027 Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship program, which supports an emerging, New York-based curator in the presentation of challenging and innovative projects during the 2027 season.
Fellowship Description
ISSUE is proud to honor Suzanne and her vision by sharing an opportunity that supports ongoing curatorial work that advances artistic discourse. Now entering its eleventh year, the Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship provides a platform and support structure for the development and presentation of a series of events over the course of a year.
The Curatorial Fellow will conceive and organize programs that center artists and projects aligned with ISSUE’s mission, with an emphasis on underrepresented and underserved voices and the presentation of new work. This opportunity is specifically focused on curatorial practice; proposals should not include the fellows presenting their own artistic work.
Reporting to the Interim Artistic Director, the Curatorial Fellow is provided a $3,000 stipend in addition to financial, marketing, and technical support for programs, as well as mentorship for the incubation and execution of new projects.
Fellowship Resources
Curatorial Fellows are provided:
– a $3,000 stipend;
– an ISSUE funded budget of up to $10,000 (net) to produce three public programs;
– free access to rehearsal space at ISSUE’s theater and/or one of ISSUE’s partner venues in advance of each program;
– access to ISSUE’s extensive archive;
– curatorial, marketing, and technical support for the duration of the Fellowship as well as mentorship for the incubation and execution of new projects;
– professional development opportunities, such as technical training and support with grant writing may be available pending interest; and
– free access for the Curatorial Fellow to all ISSUE programs over the course of the Fellowship year.
In addition to the guaranteed stipend and ISSUE’s technical inventory, resources the applicant believes are needed should be articulated in the proposal. A full list of available technical resources can be seen in Appendix A. The opportunity to allocate additional resources toward specific presentations will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis in dialogue with ISSUE’s staff.
Over the past decade, ISSUE’s programs have predominantly taken place at our 22 Boerum Pl. theater in Downtown Brooklyn. However, due to renovation of the theater, building access is limited during 2027. ISSUE will work with the Curatorial Fellow to identify alternate spaces to develop and present work that fulfill the intention of their projects. Applicants are encouraged to describe their ideal spatial and technical conditions, and may suggest specific venues or partners where relevant.
Application Instructions
To request the application materials, please email curatorial@issueprojectroom.org with the subject line: “SFCF 2027 Request for Application.”
To submit, please email a completed application to curatorial@issueprojectroom.org with the subject line: “SFCF 2027 Application Submission”. Applications are to be received no later than 12 o’clock noon (EDT) on Monday, July 27, 2026. No extensions will be granted beyond this deadline. Notifications will be sent by Monday, September 14, 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants must be current residents of New York City. This opportunity is open to artists who have not previously participated in ISSUE’s Suzanne Fiol Curatorial Fellowship program. Applicants may submit only one application per cycle and may reapply in subsequent cycles for the same program.
Evaluation Process
The Curatorial Fellow will be chosen by a Selection Committee of ISSUE’s Artistic Advisory Council members and current ISSUE curators. Applicants are evaluated upon the inventiveness, clarity of artistic vision, feasibility, and alignment with ISSUE’s mission, as outlined below.
Evaluation criteria
Inventiveness: The originality and distinctiveness of the proposed project is considered, including the extent to which it represents new work or a meaningful evolution of the artist’s existing practice. Strong proposals will demonstrate a clear commitment to experimentation, risk-taking, and the development of ideas that have not yet been fully realized or presented—particularly within a New York City context. Projects that revisit prior work should articulate how the residency will significantly transform or expand that work.
Clarity of artistic vision: The clarity of the applicant’s artistic ideas, intentions, and goals for the residency is assessed. This includes the coherence of the proposal, the strength and specificity of the conceptual framework, and the artist’s ability to articulate how the project will develop over the course of the residency. Applicants are encouraged to consider why this project is important to pursue at this moment, and how the residency will meaningfully support that process.
Feasibility: The overall viability of the proposed project within the scope of the residency is evaluated. This includes consideration of production needs, technical requirements, timeline, and available resources. Projects with complex technical or logistical elements are welcome; however, applicants should clearly outline these components and provide thoughtful context for how they are integral to the work. Strong proposals will demonstrate an understanding of scale and offer a realistic approach to execution within a collaborative institutional setting.
Alignment with ISSUE’s mission: The panelists consider how the proposed project resonates with ISSUE’s commitment to supporting experimental practices and artists from underrepresented and underserved communities. This includes how the work expands the boundaries of artistic practice and stimulates critical dialogue in the local, national, and/or international arts landscape. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on why ISSUE is the appropriate context for this project and how the residency will support the work in ways that other platforms may not.
Support from the ISSUE Team
Please direct any clarifying questions regarding the application to curatorial@issueprojectroom.org. Applicants are asked to refrain from direct outreach to curators or ISSUE staff.