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I am a curator based at firstsite, a contemporary arts organisation located in Colchester, Essex, where I have been working since 2005. I have developed and delivered a range of exhibitions, commissions, projects and publications with a variety of artists. Recent curatorial projects include, Kathleen Herbert De Magnete (2007-2009) - a commissioned 16mm film, shown in a disused church in Colchester; Richard Layzell The Manifestation (2009), an off-site installation; 15 Artists, 15 Days, a project marking firstsite’s 15th birthday, involving a consecutive series of 1-day residencies by artists in a public space. I am currently working with the art and architecture collective public works on a long-term collaborative project entitled Colchester Inn, due to be realised in 2011. I also work on firstsite’s Artists’ Support programme which is aimed at artists based in the East of England. Activities include mentoring, critical advice and support with projects and applications, organising talks and networking events, and developing online selling initiatives. Most recently I developed a series of artists’ support ‘case studies’, which are authored by artists who have undertaken interesting professional development models. The guides combine evaluation with practical information that other artists can use. Currently I am researching and developing ideas for the programme for firstsite’s new £25M building, due to open in 2011. The Economics of the Art retreat at Wysing Art Centre in October 2009 offered me time to consider the art market in more depth and with a range of artists from different backgrounds and experiences. The collective ambition to deepen our knowledge and make new connections with the context of the retreat has so far been extremely energising and feeding. Through my participation in Market Project I look forward to continuing this endeavour, gaining knowledge that I can use in the future and also pass onto other artists through my work. Images: Kathleen Herbert, De Magnete, 2009 Matt Cook, Open Top Sound, 2009 Showcase: 15 artists, 15 days, 2009 |
