The residency runs across roughly 18 months. The first six months are dedicated entirely to research and development: interrogating curatorialmethod, thematic interests, and questions of care, access and sustainable practice - often through collaborative working groups with Strange Field's creative team, network-building, and conversations with peer artist-led organisations. This is followed by a six-month programme of exhibitions and events at French Street, with research continuing alongside delivery so that reflection and public practice can develop side by side.

A typical residency programme has included three large-scale exhibitions, each paired with artist talks, performances or other events; moving image screenings; a night of queer performance art; artist-led workshops; and a publication or zine developed from the residency's research themes. Curators are supported to build "Critical Friend" structures into their programme - peer sessions where artists can critically discuss their practice, ideas and challenges - and are given time and long lead-ins to work with artists at a stage in their career where an ambitious new commission will genuinely benefit them.

Throughout, the curator is supported by Strange Field's core team with installation, marketing, budget management and the practical running of their programme, and works within Strange Field's wider commitment to Fair Work and Radical Care - fair pay for everyone involved, considered access provision at every event, and a slow, relationship-led approach to working with artists rather than rushing toward a public outcome. The residency is structured as a single funded post rather than a committee, so that the role can be properly resourced and paid. In the final months, the residency includes a reflective evaluation and a handover, with the outgoing curator meeting the incoming curator or curatorial group to pass on continuity and care.

Our inaugural Curatorial Residency was held by Stephen Sheriff in 2021–22. He was followed by Cabbage (Jenny Tipton and James Jimbo, working with co-curators Liv Fontaine and Nina Mdwaba) across 2023–24. Our current Curatorial Residency is held by Eden Bø Dower, supported by Creative Scotland and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.