UK Art Curators' Networking Day
Continuing its programme for art professionals, the British Council invited 12 curators from museums and galleries across the UK for an intensive networking day in London on 14 October 2009. The purpose of the event was to introduce the Council’s work to a younger generation of curators and critics and encourage an increased display of British art nationally.
A Tour of the Secret Store
The day took off with a visit to the Council’s collection stores. The participants were fascinated by the history of the collection, as well as the famous blue packing cases in which artworks safely tour the globe. One curator commented that she was ‘impressed by the British Council’s open and inclusive attitude to lending and touring.’
‘[I am] impressed by the British Council’s open and inclusive attitude to lending and touring.’
Taking Cues from the Whitechapel Gallery
The group of curators continued their day at the Whitechapel Gallery in East London for two events: The first was a discussion with Jeremy Deller. The artist and co-curator of the My Yard exhibition explained his process of selecting artworks for exhibitions. The second event was a detailed talk by Andrea Tarsia, Head of Displays & Curatorial Studies at the Whitechapel Gallery, about the recent, expansive refurbishment of the gallery and its future plans.
Networking
Later, the participants headed towards Regent’s Park for the opening of Frieze Art Fair, a star-spangled event where they met up with other curators, artists and arts professionals from around the world. Colette Norwood, Arts Manager at British Council Northern Ireland, accompanied the trip and said: ‘I think [the networking day] is a fantastic UK-wide opportunity to help us build working relationships.’
The event was part of the British Council’s 75th anniversary programme.
Find out more about projects and events for artists and art professionals run by the British Council’s Visual Arts department.
