This section explores the idea of curating as being more than selecting works for a screening. It includes projects that encompass discussion, music and performance, as well as ways of situating projects within a specific time and place.

When is curating more than showing work?

The role of a curator depends very much on the type of project they are committed to. The scale of their commitment and responsibilities often exceed selecting and showing work to encompass sourcing material, writing various texts, marketing, etc., but more directly the curator's role expands beyong showing work to the task of creating a broader environment for work to be seen in. This would extend from having open interviews or talks with artists, panel discussions as well as other events to accompany a project.

It can be important to turn a screening into an event to help elevate its profile and general visibility. In this respect a curators role is closer to event organiser. Creating an aura around a presentation and emphasising its uniqueness or difference (if this is the case) can be a very effective marketing and public relations strategy.

Introducing artists’ work

When showing curated work the opportunity to introduce the exhibition and discuss it with the audience regularly arises. For screenings introductions are a good way to convey to the audience why you are presenting the work and what was your guide or criteria for selection. It is also a good way to put the audience at ease about what they are going to see and provide context and reference points for the work.

Addressing the audience is also a way of shifting the atmosphere in a screening and offering ways of engaging with the work. Introductions are useful to shift the expectations of an audience if the venue is not used to showing artists work. An informal introduction rather than a statement has the advantage of offering a more open and subjective stance different to the authority of a written text. It can also give people a way to interact with the work and break down its intimidating and potentially monolithic nature.

As well as curators, programmes or the venue introducing the screening it is common that artists also talk about their work. Be sure to discuss beforehand what you expect of the artists and what they are comfortable with. Not everyone is keen and open to talking to an audience. Similarly if you plan to invite the artists back for a discussion afterwards make sure they are happy to do it. Also it is important to make the audience feel comfortable and included to get them to ask questions. Make sure that whoever will talk with the artist has some questions to lead with and initiate the discussion and allow the audience time to formulate their questions.

Finally also bear in mind that not everyone wants to hear the artists talk or listen to the curator. Keep introductions short and be clear about what you are saying and what you expect of the audience, for instance if you expect them to stay at the end for a discussion.

Discussion & panel events

Discussions and panel events are key aspects of many exhibition projects as they offer another route into the work and exhibition. They also engage with a slightly different audience and attract a different range of people. Be aware though that not everyone wants to attend a discussion or take part in one after a screening. Make sure to state if there will be a discussion or panel event as this and be aware of the different engagement of a group who are present specifically for a discussion from a group who are there after a screening.

Make sure discussions have a host who can keep the discussion moving and act as a mediator with the audience. A lively and accessible host can help make an audience feel relaxed and involved in a more general discussion and also help to lead people into a more specialised area. A good discussion involves the audience and so pitching it at the right level is key. Be aware of the audience’s access to the type of work you are talking about and tailor contextual information accordingly. A range of panellists from different backgrounds and with different interests can make for a more exciting discussion but be clear about the common ground so people feel comfortable about their contribution.