Curious Academy Myanmar
Open Call
Project Concept
Myanmar’s contemporary art education faces ongoing challenges due to limited resources and the absence of open, experimental, interdisciplinary learning environments. Young artists often have little access to mentorship, international perspectives, or platforms for creative exchange. Curious Academy Myanmar responds to this gap by examining the notion of curiosity in contemporary art-making, emphasizing new media and multimedia practices as key tools for exploration. Combining theory, practice, and artistic research, the program adopts a participation-centered approach that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and experimentation. It aims to empower young emerging artists to cultivate independent creative voices, engage with global artistic discourse, and contribute to Myanmar’s evolving contemporary art landscape.Program Overview
Duration: December 2025 – March 2026Format: Hybrid (Online + Physical + Hybrid Sessions)
Total Participants: 18 selected participants
| Month | Module/Activity | Focus |
| December 2025 | Module I – Thinking with Curiosity | Cultivating curiosity as the foundation of creative thinking |
| January 2026 | Module II – Acting with Curiosity | Exploring curiosity through cross-disciplinary artistic approaches |
| Januar and February 2026 | Module III – Creating with Curiosity | Developing experimental and multimedia-based artworks |
| March 2026 | Module IV – Final Presentation | Collective Exhibition / Open Studio & Presentation |
| End of March 2026 | Module V – Reflection | Group discussion and evaluation of learning outcomes |
Each module combines lectures, artist talks, workshops, mentoring, and collaborative projects conducted by local and international artists, lecturers, and experts.
Participation Allowance Program
Among the 16 selected participants, up to 12 will be eligible to receive a fixed participation allowance. This allowance is intended to support participants in fully engaging with the program’s activities and outcomes.50% of the allowance will be provided at the commencement of the program.
The remaining 50% will be disbursed upon the successful completion of the participant’s final presentation or experimental work developed within the framework of the program.
Applicants wishing to be considered for the allowance are required to submit an additional motivation letter outlining their financial need and explaining how this support will enable their active participation in the program.
Note:
Apart from the participation allowance, no additional support for transportation, accommodation, or daily expenses will be provided.Eligibility Criteria
- Open to young and emerging contemporary art practitioners based in Myanmar and beyond.
- Applicants should demonstrate active engagement or previous experience in contemporary or experimental art practices.
- Interest in cross-disciplinary collaboration, multimedia experimentation, and critical inquiry.
- Ability to participate actively throughout the full program period (December 2025 – March 2026), with flexibility for hybrid sessions (both online and in-person). Participants joining from abroad may participate online.
- Willingness to work collaboratively in group projects and share creative processes.
- Commitment to contributing to discussions, presentations, and final exhibition activities.
Required Application Materials
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Portfolio – Documentation of recent artistic activities (PDF or link)
- Motivation Letter – Maximum 1 A4 page outlining interest in the program and alignment with its theme of curiosity.
- (Optional) Motivation Letter for Participation Allowance – Required only for applicants applying for the allowance.
- Contact Information (full name, email address, and phone number).
Application Deadline
09 November 2025Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed based on the applicant’s background, motivation, and potential to engage critically and creatively with the program’s concept of curiosity.
- Shortlisting: Based on submitted materials (CV, portfolio, motivation letter, and scholarship letter if applicable).
- Interview: Shortlisted participants will be invited to a 30-minute online interview to discuss their artistic practice, motivation, and suitability for the program.
- Final participants will be notified in mid-November 2025.
Orientation sessions
To ensure a clear understanding of the application preparation and submission process, we will provide the following online orientation sessions:Date: 29.10.2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Myanmar Time)
https://goethe-institut.zoom.us/j/88429978722
Meeting ID: 884 2997 8722
Date: 05.11.2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Myanmar Time)
https://goethe-institut.zoom.us/j/85491333438
Meeting ID: 854 9133 3438