Dallas Contemporary Opens Applications for 2027 North Texas Graduate Program
Dallas Contemporary (DC) is now inviting applications for its third annual North Texas Graduate Student Program, which is aimed at final-year MFA candidates from universities in North Texas. Initiated in 2024 by Interim Director Lucia Simek, this initiative offers a chance for an exhibition and a paid yearlong curatorial fellowship specifically for a graduate student specializing in art history. The exhibition, set to debut on February 19, 2027, will be curated by Jovanna Venegas from SculptureCenter. Applications must be submitted by September 18, 2026, and should include certain required materials. Alumni of note include Abby Bryant and Eli Ruhula. For inquiries, reach out to ryan.semegran@dallascontemporary.org. Additional information is available on Dallas Contemporary's website.
Key facts
- Dallas Contemporary is accepting applications for its third annual North Texas Graduate Student Program.
- The program offers final-year MFA students an exhibition opportunity and a paid curatorial fellowship.
- The upcoming exhibition opens February 19, 2027, curated by Jovanna Venegas.
- Jovanna Venegas is Curator at SculptureCenter in New York and curator of the Platform section at The Armory Show 2026.
- Venegas will also serve as inaugural curator for the KTX Biennial along Dallas' Katy Trail in spring 2027.
- Eligible universities: Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Texas Women's University, University of Dallas, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas.
- Exhibition applicants must submit five images, an artist statement, and an updated CV.
- Curatorial fellowship applicants must submit an updated CV, cover letter, writing sample (500-1000 words), and recommendation letter.
- Applications are due Friday, September 18, 2026.
- Program launched in 2024 by Lucia Simek, then DC's Interim Director.
- Alumni include Abby Bryant (now Curatorial Assistant at DC) and Eli Ruhula (solo show at White Columns).
Entities
Artists
- Jovanna Venegas
- Lucia Simek
- Abby Bryant
- Eli Ruhula
- Katherine Pinkham
- Narong Tintamusik
- Elijah Ruhala
Institutions
- Dallas Contemporary
- SculptureCenter
- The Armory Show
- KTX Biennial
- White Columns
- Southern Methodist University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Women's University
- University of Dallas
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Glasstire
Locations
- Dallas
- New York
- United States
- Katy Trail