Developing Curatorial Concepts: Research & Creative Ideation
Enroll before: Jul 12, 2023
Fee: 210€
In this course, participants will learn research methods and creative ideation techniques to develop a concept for an exhibition or a curatorial project in its most expansive sense. What format will the project take? How will the audience engage with it? What will the topic be? What will be contained inside? More importantly, how do all of these elements connect together to form a cohesive, multidimensional project, aka your curatorial concept?
With the above questions in mind, each week will centre around four core aspects of curating: the theme, the form, the content and the audience. Through the lens of these interrelated aspects, we will explore different research-gathering strategies that draw on methods found in design thinking, anthropology and the arts. Sharpen your traditional online and offline research methods; learn to observe through field work and interviews; and experiment with creative exercises.
By moving through key elements of curating and gaining feedback along the way, participants will playfully stretch the limits of their ideas before grounding and refining them into a rounded curatorial concept that is well-researched and engaging. To get the most from this course, we recommend joining with an idea in mind so that you can really dive into research and creativity to get the most out of your project.
*This course offers University credits. To opt for credits read this page
Program
Week 1. Introduction to the program and course overview.
This is a one-hour-only welcome session. The lecturer will introduce the program and participants will introduce themselves. No prior preparation is necessary.
Week 2. Developing and defining a topic
- What is a curatorial concept: introducing theme, content, form and audience
- Creative thinking and brainstorming techniques
- Organising research
- Approaching your topic
In this week, we will look at how to use brainstorming and mind mapping techniques to go beyond the boundaries of your topic; discover ways to gather and organise your research; as well as experiment with different angles from which to approach your curatorial topic.
Week 3. Selecting content and finding a form
- Strategies for bringing content together
- Curatorial formats
- Prototyping
- Building narratives
Whether you want to set up an exhibition, a workshop, a photo festival or a boundary-pushing form, it’s important to consider what shape your project might take and what will be contained inside it. This week, we will play with ways to connect content, find a format that complements your topic and consider how the format and topic will intertwine.
Week 4. Audience interaction and engagement
- Who is your audience?
- Field research
- Audience experience
- Relevance and meaning
Who will your audience be? How will they interact with your project? This week we will focus on the audience and their experience to step outside ourselves and better understand how to develop your project in a way that is engaging and meaningful.
Week 5. Finalising your curatorial concept
- Reframing techniques
- Refining and synthesising your research
- Clarifying your concept
- Writing your concept (a first step!)
This final week is all about honing and refining your project idea. We will look at ways to reach the core of your project so that it feels clear and can be communicated with ease.
Image by Alex Wolowiecki.
