The history of curatorial practice is intimately entwined with the human desire to collect, organise and display objects. This studio explores the reconfiguration, reinterpretation and re-imagination of collections in contemporary curatorial practice. It explores the relationship between objects, exhibitions and audiences.

This course examines the history of collections and their display in light of contemporary theory. It considers theories of objecthood, agency and subject-object relations, the connection between collections, museums and knowledge disciplines, alternative approaches to time and history, and artistic interventions in museum collections.

To inform and develop a contemporary perspective this studio examines a number of historical models of collection and display – from Renaissance cabinets of curiosity to databases and digital repositories. Through a series of exercises students will conduct hand-on experiments with the collection, arrangement and display of objects. The studio will include field trips to collections around the city, including “behind the scenes” tours.

Individually, or in groups, students will develop innovative and experimental ways of engaging with collections that will lead to a curatorial project being delivered or projected. They will take into consideration the challenges of working with collections including issues of loans requirements, registration, conservation and interpretation.

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