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The Curator's Handbook
A step-by-step guide to every aspect of putting on an art exhibition, with tips from a range of influential curators The Curator’s Handbook is the essential handbook for curators and curatorial students, mapping every stage of the process of putting on an exhibition, no matter
how traditional the venue, from initial idea to final installation.
An introduction explores curatorial work from its origins in the seventeenth century onward and outlines the various roles of the curator today. Twelve chapters then trace the various stages of the exhibition process in clear, informative language and using helpful diagrams and tables, from developing the concept to writing contracts and loan requests; putting together budgets and schedules; producing exhibition catalogues and interpretation materials; designing gallery spaces; working with artists, lenders, and art handlers; organizing private views; and documenting and evaluating a show.
With advice and tips from a cast of international museum directors and curators―including Daniel Birnbaum (Moderna Museet, Stockholm); Aric Chen (M+,
Hong Kong); Elizabeth Macgregor (Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney); Hans Ulrich Obrist (Serpentine Gallery, London); Gao Peng (Today Art Museum, Beijing); Jennifer Russell (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York); and Nicholas Serota (Tate, London)―this volume is a crucial guide for anyone involved in, or studying, the dynamic field of curation. 1 line drawing
how traditional the venue, from initial idea to final installation.
An introduction explores curatorial work from its origins in the seventeenth century onward and outlines the various roles of the curator today. Twelve chapters then trace the various stages of the exhibition process in clear, informative language and using helpful diagrams and tables, from developing the concept to writing contracts and loan requests; putting together budgets and schedules; producing exhibition catalogues and interpretation materials; designing gallery spaces; working with artists, lenders, and art handlers; organizing private views; and documenting and evaluating a show.
With advice and tips from a cast of international museum directors and curators―including Daniel Birnbaum (Moderna Museet, Stockholm); Aric Chen (M+,
Hong Kong); Elizabeth Macgregor (Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney); Hans Ulrich Obrist (Serpentine Gallery, London); Gao Peng (Today Art Museum, Beijing); Jennifer Russell (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York); and Nicholas Serota (Tate, London)―this volume is a crucial guide for anyone involved in, or studying, the dynamic field of curation. 1 line drawing
334 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2015
110 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 17, 2020
An invaluable basic reference
December 4, 2020
This book provides a Helpful explanation for those interested in planning exhibitions in museums or galleries.
December 8, 2021
I’ve found this book to be overly obsessive with details which, for me, are a given. Not because I’m a curator, but because there are some obvious things that make sense with sufficient common knowledge.
Yes, if you plan to print a pamphlet or a book, a graphic designer is a must.
If you plan to shoot a clip, better use a person who knows how to stand in front of a camera. If he doesn’t, send him to a course in it.
Next thing you know the book discusses staples for binding - metal vs threads. Come on.
Who is this book for? I’m not sure. If you’re a curator you probably don’t need this common logic. If you’re not, this book will bore you to death. If you’re an alien that just landed on earth and want to know not only how to breathe and exhale but also what curators do - congrats!
I had to skip several chapters at the end of the book, something I rarely do.
Yes, if you plan to print a pamphlet or a book, a graphic designer is a must.
If you plan to shoot a clip, better use a person who knows how to stand in front of a camera. If he doesn’t, send him to a course in it.
Next thing you know the book discusses staples for binding - metal vs threads. Come on.
Who is this book for? I’m not sure. If you’re a curator you probably don’t need this common logic. If you’re not, this book will bore you to death. If you’re an alien that just landed on earth and want to know not only how to breathe and exhale but also what curators do - congrats!
I had to skip several chapters at the end of the book, something I rarely do.
July 29, 2018
A real insight into what a curator does. Lots of useful information if you decide to exhibit your own work.
May 1, 2020
Un libro que debe ser como tal un manual en manos de curadores, museografos, y personas interesadas en los distintos procesos que acompañan el montaje de exposiciones. Este manual nos lleva de la A a la Z en cuanto a las negociaciones, necesidades técnicas, traslado y manejo de obra, publicos, evaluación, hasta la inauguración de la exposición, su cierre y retorno de obras. Termina con una revisión del futuro cercano del curador y la necesidad de adaptarse a las nuevas necesidades y formas de expresión artística. Importante volver a él continuamente.
December 18, 2022
Great for contemporary art curators, not quite as useful for curators of historical collections or collections of artefacts that aren't art. Useful book overall, practical steps are still fairly useful for any exhibition .
November 16, 2023
Comprehensive reference book that covers most of not all the steps and details that the curator should go in.
If you are into curating or working in the field, and want a referencing book, then this is the book to get.
If you are into curating or working in the field, and want a referencing book, then this is the book to get.
January 5, 2018
Had to read this book for class and enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was a pretty book and was easy to understand and I thought I can use the information in an archival career.
July 2, 2023
An easy to read guide about how to put together an art exhibition.
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September 30, 2016707 G3471 2015
December 12, 2023
This is the most prettiest book I've ever seen in my life ! Really informative, not much else to comment on lol
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews