Curating for Public Spaces

Investigate the role of the curator in public spaces

Language: English

This course done in collaboration with VCUarts Qatar investigates Curating for Public Spaces in the MENA region, and more specifically, the GCC. 

Applying theories of curatorship to case studies of public exhibitions, this five-day, in-person course will include site visits and participants will develop a public art proposal (fictional or real) for a location in a city setting from the perspective of an artist or curator.

The course covers: 

• The ins and outs of Public Art from an institutional and artist perspective

• Focus on the local context through a series of talks, site visits and activities

• Participants will develop a public art proposal (fictional or real) for a location in a city setting from the perspective of an artist or curator

• As public art programing forms a major plan for the region, this course delves into understanding the nature of public art with a specific focus on communities and placemaking. It will provide participants with an insight into the practical and theoretical aspects of curating public art from concept, location planning, stakeholders, community engagement, and funding to installing public art.

The course approaches key questions:

• Who commissions public art?

• Who public art is for?

• What are the challenges of curating and placing art in the public realm