When I started at this centre there were two full time curators, as well as guest curators that would be employed on a contract basis for specific projects.
Within one month, both of the full time curators had left, leaving the centre with one contract curator who had been at the centre for approx 6 weeks. I don’t know what the long term plan is with employing curators, but contract curators does seem like a good work plan in that you can employ a specialist for each project that can provide their focused contacts and resources.
I was asked to write a student internship position description for education and public programs - well, I guess I know what is needed after 200 odd hours. Other letters I constructed were introductory letters to the head of the art department at local high school, introducing the next semester programs, and invitation to participate in special collaborations with local multi media educators. So education was not just about writing relevant programs, but also about audience development, and keeping in touch with the local school and other community groups to be able to meet their interests.
I agree. I think having different curators for each exhibition helps expand the gallery's connection with artists and audiences - its ability to show a really diverse program - I just don't know how many curators would just want contractual work however.
ReplyDelete