Modes of Non-Curatorship: An Artist as Curator Statement / Manifesto

Posted by Natalie Thomas on August 31, 2015 in Australian Art, Melbourne Art | 1 Comment

If you’re an artist wanting to make a new friend, choose a curator to be best mates with. Sure, art collectors make good new friends too, but artists love to exhibit their art most.

I wrote this some years back. One of the few luxuries of maintaining an arts practice is that you get to watch how your work ages. I reckon this stands up.

 

Modes of Non-Curatorship: An Artist as Curator Statement / Manifesto

I like curating artists and art shows

It’s so easy

Ignore complex and divergent issues that surround curatorship

Let projects develop a life of their own

It’s only art

Call up the posse and invite

Pass on just the crucial info. Date for the party

Need-to-know basis

Resist over-regulation—­­it’s not creative

Be irregular

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Investigate curatorial models of anarchy

Undermanage this and all future projects

Be independent

Tell hosting institutions whatever they want to hear

Give artists the space to make the exhibition they want

 No dubious thematics, links or theoretical perspectives

Good old-fashioned free-for-all

Leave everything till the last minute, always

Allow for change, unpredictability and surprises

Varying approaches. Expect the best

Watch the random links bubble to the surface

Behind the scenes, pack a glue gun for last minute repairs

 Call and send as few emails as possible

We’re all time poor

Keep it professionally amateurish where possible

Opening celebration a focus job

It’s important to celebrate

Organise free booze

Hospitality, conviviality

Don’t write anything dull and/or unreadable

Preserve what you like most about making art and exhibiting,

Keep curating easy; it’s more powerful that way.