Curating as Feminist Organizing

Feminist curating is a curatorial practice that challenges gender politics within and beyond museum and gallery doors, addressing legacies of racialized and ethnic violence, state regulation of citizenship and sexuality, and economic justice. Case studies range from university art galleries to artist-run spaces, and are relevant to practicing curators, critical cultural practitioners, and artists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Feminist curating is a dynamic and transformative approach to art exhibition and display that seeks to challenge gender politics within and beyond the walls of museums and galleries. In this book, a diverse group of authors delve into the complexities of feminist curating, exploring their own curatorial projects and analyzing feminist-inspired exhibitions. They connect their broader feminist politics to their curatorial practices, providing case studies that address the legacies of racialized and ethnic violence, including colonialism, challenge the state's regulation of citizenship and sexuality, and advocate for economic justice in the organizations and roles of curators.

The settings in which this work is done span from university art galleries to artist-run spaces and educational or activist programs. This collection is a valuable resource for those studying and researching curating, exhibitions, socially and ecologically engaged contemporary art practices, and feminist transnational movements in diverse geographic contexts. The essays are of relevance to practicing curators, critical cultural practitioners, and artists alike, as they offer insights into the ways in which feminist curating can shape and reshape the cultural landscape.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of curators in shaping public discourse and challenging dominant narratives. The authors argue that feminist curators have a unique ability to use their platforms to promote diverse voices, challenge stereotypes, and promote social change. They provide examples of curatorial practices that have successfully engaged with issues of gender, race, and sexuality, highlighting the power of art to challenge oppressive systems and promote empathy and understanding.

Another important aspect of feminist curating is the emphasis on collaboration and intersectionality. The authors recognize that art cannot be isolated from the broader social and political context in which it is produced and displayed. They advocate for collaborative approaches that bring together artists, curators, and community members to create exhibitions that are relevant to their experiences and perspectives. They also highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing the intersections of different forms of oppression, such as race, class, and sexuality, in order to create more inclusive and equitable exhibitions.

The book also explores the challenges and limitations of feminist curating. The authors acknowledge that feminist curating is not without its challenges, including resistance from institutions and audiences who may be skeptical of its goals and intentions. They provide strategies for navigating these challenges, such as building partnerships with community organizations and engaging with diverse audiences through programming and outreach.

In conclusion, Feminist Curating: Shaping the Cultural Landscape is a thought-provoking and essential contribution to the field of curating and exhibition. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of feminist curating, providing insights into the ways in which it can challenge gender politics, promote social change, and shape the cultural landscape. By highlighting the work of a diverse group of authors and providing case studies that address a range of issues, the book provides a valuable resource for those studying and practicing curating, as well as for artists and critical cultural practitioners. As we continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, feminist curating remains an important tool for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032065304