Southbank Centre Presents - The Cultural programmers & Curators program

Earlier this month the Southbank Centre launched a new programme designed to equip the next generation of cultural programmers and curators by developing their curatorial toolkit and practical experience. The work programmed and curated will sit at the heart of our 75th anniversary celebrations during the summer of 2026. 

Supported by BAFTA-winning producer, Tobi Kyeremateng, the cohort will develop practical skills and theoretical approaches to cultural curation with contributions and insights from practitioners across a variety of art-forms. During their time on the programme, they will also learn from industry experts working at the Southbank Centre and our network of partners, including ourppls, Skin Deep, Resolve Collective, SXSW London and Factory International.

Over 20 months, from July 2025, the Southbank Centre will build a relationship with the cohort, developing and strengthening their practice via monthly talks, workshops, peer-led discussions and an intensive residential retreat. Putting theory into practice, the cohort will then have a range of opportunities to programme and curate events as part of Festival 75 – our 75th Anniversary celebration during May to September 2026  – as well as wider Southbank Centre programming. 

The cohort will be made up of programmers and curators with interests including, but not limited to:

• Literature and Spoken Word

• Film and Moving Image

• Music and Sound

• Performance and Dance

• Architecture and Spatial Design

• Creative Education and Community Engagement

• Creative Technology

• Visual Arts

Read on as we spoke to Tobi and Anthony to find out their top tips on how to apply

Ultimately, they're looking for individuals who are excited about bringing people together through cultural experiences to play, learn, feel, and move.

This opportunity has been designed for early-career creatives who can demonstrate some prior experience in programming and curation, whether that’s curating a panel discussion at your local arts centre, programming a multi art-form cultural event, or working in a role where programming and curation might be a small part of your job that you would like to focus on more. For more guidance, please look at our FAQs below.

This course combines training and professional opportunities. Participants will be expected to attend all training sessions and will be paid for any programming and curation work here at the Southbank Centre.

Make sure you apply now to get your application in before the deadline of the 18th of May 2025

If you’d like any assistance with, or have any questions in relation to, completing the form, please get in touch with the Southbank Centre's team.

emergingartists@southbankcentre.co.uk

About the organisations

The Southbank Centre is a major cultural hub in London, known as the UK's largest arts centre, and a significant part of London's cultural landscape. It operates as a charitable trust and is dedicated to showcasing a wide range of performing arts, visual arts, and literary events. The Southbank Centre is a prominent venue for both established and emerging artists, hosting a diverse program of events and workshops to engage audiences and foster creativity.