1. Research a topic thoroughly and critically, selecting key textual and visual evidence.

2. Compare and contrast the work of several visual arts practitioners according to a theme, issue or question that demonstrates conceptual depth.

3. Explore a theme, issue or question via a well-structured and integrated commentary supported by critically analysed and properly referenced textual and visual evidence.

4. Demonstrate and evidence the ability to evaluate curatorial strategies.

5. Use visual and written communication skills in relation to practice.

For this module, you will submit for assessment:

1. Proposal for a Curated Exhibition (Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5)
A Curated Exhibition Proposal with details of your exhibition concept and artworks involved (minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 artists work, and 10 images max). 1500 words

2. Exhibition Catalogue Essay (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5)
An illustrated (images not limited) 3000 word essay.

The Writing and Curating Contemporary Art module consists of progressing through two interrelated assessment components: a Proposal for a Curated Exhibition and an Exhibition Catalogue Essay.

Specific content consists of sessions on understanding and producing a professional exhibition proposal and an informed and scholarly catalogue essay. Curatorial concepts and critical dialogues are formulated via supervisory assistance. The module emphasises students expanding their understanding of contemporary practice and theory beyond what they are familiar with, via rigorous visual research, and research into texts pertaining to the practitioners selected and theoretical discourse. Students are directed to engage in critical analysis of the textual and visual sources they are researching with a critical perspective that possesses a significant degree of conceptual depth.

This module will provide you with a framework to communicate a curatorial investigation into a selected area of enquiry, working with existing artworks and selecting a gallery to exhibit them in. This curatorial investigation will lead from an exhibition proposal to a critical essay, which would accompany an exhibition as part of its published catalogue.

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Group critiques
External Visits
Practical classes and workshops
Online resources
Group working

Ferguson, B, W., Greenberg, R., Nairne, S. (1996). Thinking About Exhibitions. Routledge.
Flood, R. (2012) Unmonumental: The Object in the 21st Century. Phaidon Press.
Kholeif, O (2016). Electronic Superhighway: from experiments in art and technology to art after the internet. Whitechapel Gallery.
Neill, P. (2012). The Culture of Curating and the Curating of Culture(s). MIT Press
Obrist, H.U. (2015). Ways of Curating. Penguin.
O’Doherty, B. (2000). Inside the White Cube: The Ideology of the Gallery Space. University of California Press.
Williams, G. (2014). How to Write About Contemporary Art. Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Steeds, L. (2014). Exhibition (Documents of Contemporary Art). Whitechapel Gallery.
Thomas, C. (2002). The edge of everything : reflections on curatorial practice. Banff, Alta., Banff Centre Press.
Various editors. Documents on Contemporary Art (series) Whitechapel Gallery (2008-2017)

Studio Space
Workshops
Library
Student word-processing facilities
Computer suites
AV Equipment
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module.