Dirwaza Curatorial Lab

Internship Program

البرنامج التدريبي

Open

Current round 9 September - 9 December

About the program

Dirwaza's Curatorial Programming Internship places interns at the centre of an active curatorial practice. Working alongside our team, interns assist with research for exhibitions, archiving, writing, and support the planning, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions.

This role allows the intern to develop key skills in art historical research, curation, project management, and public engagement. The intern will engage with community outreach and contribute to educational programs through different projects — exposed to the full variety of Dirwaza's work, not dedicated to a single project.

This program is open to recent graduates who want to explore working in a curatorial setting and learn more about exhibition making and public programming. It also provides networking opportunities with professionals in the field, offering insights into curatorial practices and potential career paths within the arts and culture sector.

✦ This is a paid opportunity.

عن البرنامج

يضع البرنامج التدريبي لدروازة المتدربين في قلب ممارسة تنظيمية نشطة. يعمل المتدربون جنباً إلى جنب مع فريقنا، ويساعدون في أبحاث المعارض والأرشفة والكتابة ودعم تخطيط المعارض وتركيبها وفكّها.

يسمح هذا الدور للمتدرب/ة بتطوير المهارات الأساسية في البحث الفني التاريخي، وتنظيم المعارض، وإدارة المشاريع، والبرامج العامة. سيشارك المتدرب/ة في التوعية المجتمعية ويساهم في البرامج التعليمية من خلال مشاريع مختلفة — مع التعرّف على كامل نطاق أعمال دروازة دون التخصص في مشروع واحد.

هذا البرنامج متاح للخريجين والخريجات الجدد الذين يرغبون في استكشاف العمل في بيئة تنظيم المعارض. كما يوفر فرص التواصل مع المتخصصين في المجال، مع رؤى حول ممارسات التقييم الفني والمسارات المهنية في قطاع الفنون والثقافة.

✦ هذه فرصة مدفوعة الأجر.

Current status

Round

9 September - 9 December

Stage

Open

Application

Application deadline 24 August

Duration 3 months

Location Abu Dhabi

Language Arabic & English

Hours Mon–Thu 10AM–5PM / Fri 10AM–2PM

Apply now ↗

Applications sent via email will not be considered

FAQ

Is this internship paid? +

Yes, this is a paid internship.

Do you provide housing? +

No, Dirwaza does not provide accommodation.

Can I apply if I live outside the UAE? +

Yes. Applicants residing outside the United Arab Emirates may apply, provided they independently arrange their visa, travel, and accommodation in Abu Dhabi.

Can I apply if I live outside Abu Dhabi? +

Yes! Applicants based anywhere within the UAE are encouraged to apply, provided they will be able to work from our office in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Mondays to Thursdays.

Can I apply if I am still a student at university? +

We welcome all applications but please note that priority is given towards applicants that are able to fully commit to our working hours. Given our nature of work, we cannot accommodate a part-time schedule for the internship.

I graduated a few years ago. Can I still apply? +

Yes. However, the program is designed for early-career individuals with limited experience in the curatorial field.

Is this open to non-UAE nationals? +

Yes, the internship is open to all nationalities residing in the UAE.

Can I apply without experience in curatorial work? +

Yes, we welcome motivated candidates with a strong interest in the arts and curatorial work, regardless of prior experience.

Does this internship offer flexible hours? +

Interns work 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday from our office in Mina Zayed, and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM remotely on Fridays. Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required.

Can I do the internship remotely? +

No, this is an in-person program. Interns are expected to work from our office in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Monday to Thursday.

When is the deadline for submitting my application? +

Applications will be accepted until 24 August 2026.

Can I send my application via email? +

No. Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.

Past interns