When the idea or conception for a project has taken shape and proves its validity then you need to plan the project and how you will manage to bring it fruition. This section deals with planning and project management, establishing a timeline for the project, getting assistance where needed and establishing collaborations.

Define your responsibilities & role

When working on any project be clear about your role and responsibilities, and which responsibilities lie with your collaborators or partners. This is especially important when planning your time and the project alongside other commitments you might have. If collaborating with other individuals make sure to discuss your other commitments and come to an agreement about who will be responsible for which facet of a project. Discussing these responsibilities will ensure you do not let your project down by forgetting or being unable to complete certain aspects. Key to managing a project is being clear and realistic about what is possible to achieve in your time frame and budget. If you need more time be sure to find help or adjust the project to ensure you will be able to deliver to standards that you are happy with.

A key aspect of curating is project management. Often curators will work on many aspects of a project and be responsible in some way for following the project through all stages to its exhibition and evaluation. Even when working with others it is essential to manage the various responsibilities and commitments to institutions, collections, funders, venues, artists and the audience.

Working in collaborations / partnerships

Curators work with a variety of people in a range of different positions, from gallery venue staff to artists to funders and accountants. Working in collaboration or partnership is a regular occurrence so be clear about your role and commitments. Presenting work within a existent programme also presents many issues to consider when developing your project. Think about how the project relates to the organisation and their exhibition history, as well as to the audience that the venue attracts.

Working within an existent programme

As a curator you may not always get to work closely with the project you are presenting but together with other curators or touring projects. It's then important to be confident and have a good dialogue with the person or organisation you are collaborating with. When presenting work you have not curated engage the responsible curator in a dialogue about how they see the project relating to your exhibition programme and what they see the appeal of the work to be.

Showing pre-curated programmes can be a good way to structure your screenings without getting buried in detail. When working on a festival, for instance, working with other curators and pre-existent programmes allows you to show a wider range of work with the benefit of someone else’s research. This is an efficient way to programme but be aware of what it is you are selecting and make sure you are confident about its place within your programme.