Call for Participants: Curatorial Studio
CURATORIAL STUDIO was developed in 2015 through a partnership between SCAN (Scottish Contemporary Art Network), Glasgow School of Art (GSA), CCA Glasgow and the Framework programme led by curator Kirsteen Macdonald.
Initially responding to the needs of students graduating from the first year of MLitt Curatorial Practice (Contemporary Art) at GSA, the aim was to create a supportive environment and network between curators in the early stages of their practice, working in all kinds of contexts across Scotland.
Key questions informing the project
- How can a network of peers support the development of rigour in each other’s practice?
- What points of access to knowledge, networks, professional opportunities and examples of practice can we share?
- How might collaborative work be developed in the course of the project?
- Which forms of doing, writing and speaking are involved in curatorial work?
- What kind of support does a curator need to advance their practice?
- What are the key influences on the formation of a curator’s identity?
- How is curating embedded and sustained within the context of working in Scotland?
- What can we learn from comparative models elsewhere?
What happens?
The project encourages co-operative learning based around group discussion. Participants are encouraged to engage with contemporary theory, test ideas and gain new skills in order to develop their individual practices and interactions with audiences.
The programme is structured around 5 x 2 day events over 8 months with additional communication online and informal networking in between. Learning formats include readings, performances, discussions, lectures, workshops, and master classes. The pace of events is intense; it focuses on building confidence and trust between participants. We recognise the high level of commitment necessary from those involved.
Participants actively contribute to the programme content, evaluation and dissemination of the project. Reflections are shared on SCAN and Framework websites, through academic partners and in a collaborative publication.
Based in Glasgow the programme is peripatetic, and responds to and engages with other activities across the country. A small budget is reserved to support travel costs for those without access to institutional support.
Co-ordination
Curatorial Studio is organised by Kirsteen Macdonald (Framework) and managed by SCAN. The ongoing development of the project is supported by a small steering group comprising
- Viviana Checchia, Public Engagement Curator, CCA
- Seonaid Daly, Director, SCAN
- Monica Nunez, Senior Lecturer in MLitt Curatorial Practice (Contemporary Art) joint programme of Glasgow School of Art and University of Glasgow
- Rosie O’Grady, Curatorial Studio participant 2016
Expected outcomes
- Increased visibility for individual curators’ practices emphasised through peer support, promotion and potential collaborations in the sector
- CPD for participants that develops a new generation of confident and articulate curators
- Expanding the work-based learning of curators working in institutions, voluntary organisations and independently
- Development of professional networks (nationally and internationally) linking recent graduates to professional opportunities and encouraging the development of their early careers
- Development of the previous project alumni and an expanding network that crosses peer groups, geographical locations and career levels
- Feedback loop advocating policy development with agencies that support curators, especially SCAN / Creative Scotland
Timeline
Application Process 15 Feb – 10 March 2017
Participants Announced by 27 March
Workshop programme (dates tbc) April – November 2017
Application Process
This year 6 – 8 participants will be selected from an open call. Further information and application form available here.
