Artspace relaunches International Curators Program with Naomi Beckwith

Artspace is pleased to relaunch the International Curators Program (ICP) in 2026, reaffirming our commitment to research-led exchange, creating space for curatorial dialogue, and long-term international partnership.

The first guest of the relaunched program is Naomi Beckwith, Deputy Director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, New York, and Artistic Director of the upcoming documenta 16 (June–September 2027). Delivered in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Australia, the visit supports Beckwith’s research in Australia as she develops documenta 16, fostering meaningful engagement with local artists and contexts.

The ICP supports visiting curators through research visits, studio engagement with artists, public programs, and professional exchange with peers and colleagues across local institutions. Grounded in reciprocity, the program connects local practice with global conversations, creating meaningful opportunities for Australian artists and local communities.

“Global conversations begin with local encounters", says Victor Wang, Executive Director, Artspace. “We are incredibly proud to welcome Naomi Beckwith to Australia for her first visit at such a pivotal moment in her work. As she develops documenta 16, this research time allows for meaningful, grounded engagement with artists and contexts here. The International Curators Program creates the conditions for those exchanges — opening channels for Australian practice to engage with international platforms.”

"We are thrilled about this collaboration with our friends at Artspace here in Sydney", adds Christoph Mücher, Director of the Goethe-Institut Australia. "We could not have hoped for a more exciting guest than Naomi Beckwith at this time. In her role as curator for the upcoming documenta 16 in Kassel, Germany, she is without a doubt a leading voice when it comes to contemporary art and the discourse that surrounds it."

The International Curators Program is developed and presented by Artspace with the support of national and international partners. Artspace gratefully acknowledges the support of the Goethe-Institut Australia.