Zeitz MOCAA & UWC Museum Fellowship Programme 2027: Fully Funded Opportunity for Emerging African Art Professionals

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), has officially opened applications for its prestigious Museum Fellowship Programme 2027. This highly competitive, fully immersive fellowship is designed to empower the next generation of African art and museum professionals through hands-on training, academic development, and real-world experience.

If you are passionate about contemporary African art, curatorial practice, and museum studies, this fellowship offers a transformative opportunity to shape the future of the continent’s cultural and heritage landscape.

About the Fellowship Programme

The Zeitz MOCAA & UWC Museum Fellowship Programme is a 12-month, full-time programme running from February 2027 to January 2028 in Cape Town, South Africa. It combines practical museum experience with academic coursework, culminating in a BA Honours degree from UWC upon successful completion.

Fellows will gain direct exposure to various museum departments, including:

• Curatorial Practice
• Exhibition Design
• Registrar & Collection Management
• Art Education
• Institutional Advancement

Participants will work closely with industry experts, contributing to exhibitions, research, public programming, and publishing initiatives.

What the Fellowship Offers

This fellowship is designed to provide both academic and professional growth. Selected fellows will receive:

• Full tuition coverage
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Basic health insurance
• Hands-on experience in a leading contemporary art museum
• Academic mentorship and supervision

Please note that travel and visa costs are not covered.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in art, heritage, museum studies, or a related humanities field (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary African art and heritage
• Have 2–3 years of relevant work experience
• Possess strong writing and public speaking skills
• Show clear interest in an art-related career
• Be proficient in English
• Be a citizen of an African country

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• One-page motivation letter
• Full CV
• 250-word biography
• A minimum 1000-word original writing sample
• Letter of recommendation
• High-resolution portrait photo
• Academic certificates and transcripts

All documents must be submitted in English and follow the required naming format.

Important Application Guidelines

• Only the first 100 applications will be considered
• Applications must be submitted online
• Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted
• Applicants must carefully follow all instructions and word limits

Deadline

The application deadline is 30 June 2026.

Successful applicants will be contacted by early August 2026.

Why You Should Apply

This fellowship is more than just a training programme—it is a gateway into Africa’s evolving art ecosystem. Fellows will gain invaluable experience, expand their professional networks, and develop the skills needed to lead in curatorial practice, research, and museum management.

Whether you aim to work in galleries, museums, cultural institutions, or academia, this programme provides a strong foundation for a successful career in the arts.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application form and upload all required documents before the deadline. Early application is strongly encouraged due to the limited number of slots considered.

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