TEFAF Curator Course
Applications for the TEFAF Curator Course 2027 are now open! Applications must be submitted latest Thursday, October 1st, 2026 and asks Curators to upload a Curriculum Vitae, a motivation letter and a reference letter. Applications must be submitted in English. Please visit the dedicated page on the Maastricht University website below:
TEFAF Curator Course 2027
The TEFAF Curator Course, developed in partnership with Maastricht University and supported by our Global Lead Partner AXA XL, is a program that brings together the academic world and the art market. It offers an exceptional opportunity for museum curators and directors to gain expertise, insights, and networking. The course is a unique chance for participants to learn from seasoned international colleagues, members of the TEFAF Vetting community, and renowned art dealers who are experts in their specialized fields.
New for the 2027 edition, thanks to the generous support of a dedicated private funder, hotel accommodation for all participating curators will be covered. Together with TEFAF’s continued funding of the course, this new initiative makes the program more accessible, with participating institutions only asked to cover travel expenses
Why Participate in the Curator Course?
“The TEFAF Curator Course takes you on a kaleidoscopic journey into the art market; it initiates the professional dialog between museum curators, art dealers and private collectors in a very personal way. I will benefit from this inspiring exchange for a long time to come.”
— Katharina Weiler, Curator at Museum Angewandte Kunst and course participant in 2024.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of the course was the opportunity to connect with a group of peers who, despite coming from incredibly diverse backgrounds—geographically, professionally, and institutionally—shared a genuine passion for curatorial work."
— Maaike Rikhof, Curator at Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem and course participant in 2025.
"I would like to express my sincere thanks, particularly as I come from a smaller institution and have experienced this programme as an exceptional opportunity. I will certainly recommend it to others. I also want to extend my gratitude to the organizers, assembling such a programme is no small feat, especially during the busy opening week of TEFAF."
— Course participant in 2026.
What to Expect
The inaugural edition of our program took place from March 12th to March 16th, 2024, during TEFAF and at Maastricht University. The meticulously crafted program was designed to provide emerging curators with the necessary tools, profound insight, and invaluable contacts to navigate the art market skilfully. It covered a range of considerations for non-institutional loans, gifts, and acquisitions, including due diligence and market research, practical aspects of art law, and broader collecting implications, including social impact and the ethics of external funding.
Gain Art Market Insights
Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from senior members of the TEFAF Vetting committees about authenticating and attributing artworks, gaining valuable insights from renowned art dealers, and engaging in discussions with academic experts on values and responsibilities. This comprehensive approach equips curators to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities the evolving art world presents.
Expand Your Network
This outstanding program offers a unique opportunity for professionals to enhance their expertise and establish meaningful connections with peers and colleagues in the museum/art world. These connections facilitate potential loans and acquisitions and unlock opportunities for development and donations.
Exceptional Access
The TEFAF Curator Course occurs during the prestigious TEFAF art fair and at Maastricht University in The Netherlands, offering a blend of hands-on experience and academic knowledge in navigating the multifaceted art world.
For further information about the course assignments and what to expect, please refer to the 2026 brochure, available below:
