The Emerging Curators Institute (ECI) supports emerging curators from diverse backgrounds through an in-depth research, professional development, and presentation program. The first of its kind in the region, the program aims to foster critical dialogue around curatorial practice and provide opportunities for Minnesota-based emerging curators. Based in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, the program offers funded fellowships to four emerging curators. Over the course of the year-long fellowship, each participant develops and produces an exhibition or curatorial project. ECI provides support for all aspects of project-planning and fellows meet regularly with mentors, guest curators, and field professionals who will guide their learning through a collaborative educational model. In addition to the fellowship program, ECI hosts a series of public programs in 2020-2021, which will provide opportunities for fellows and local audiences to engage in topics related to contemporary curatorial practice. All programs will be free and open to the public.