Glossary

9.2 Working with Living Artists and Commissioning New Works

4 min read•july 29, 2024

Working with living artists and commissioning new works is a dynamic aspect of curating contemporary art. It involves collaboration, communication, and navigating ethical considerations to bring fresh perspectives to exhibitions and institutions.

Curators play a crucial role in supporting both emerging and established artists. They facilitate creative processes, promote diversity, and contribute to critical discourse, shaping the landscape of contemporary art and engaging audiences in meaningful ways.

Collaboration with Living Artists

Establishing a Shared Vision and Setting Expectations

Top images from around the web for Establishing a Shared Vision and Setting Expectations

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Top images from around the web for Establishing a Shared Vision and Setting Expectations

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  • Collaborating with living artists involves establishing a shared vision that aligns with the exhibition's theme or the institution's mission
  • Setting clear expectations from the outset is crucial for a successful collaboration (timelines, budgets, and intellectual property rights)
  • Contracts and agreements are essential in outlining the terms of the collaboration and ensuring all parties are on the same page
  • Collaborative projects may involve site-specific installations, commissioned works, or the creation of new pieces specifically for an exhibition (Olafur Eliasson's "The Weather Project" at Tate Modern)

The Curator's Role in Facilitating Collaborations

  • The 's role in collaborations includes providing curatorial guidance and ensuring the artist's work aligns with the overall vision
  • Facilitating access to resources, such as materials, equipment, or technical support, is essential for enabling artists to realize their ideas
  • Curators must be flexible and adaptable, as the creative process may evolve and change over time
  • Maintaining open communication throughout the creative process is key to addressing any challenges or changes that arise (Ai Weiwei's "Sunflower Seeds" at Tate Modern)

Communication with Artists

Building Trust and Rapport

  • Establishing trust and rapport with artists is crucial for successful communication and negotiation
  • Active listening and showing genuine interest in artists' ideas and concerns can help build strong working relationships
  • Curators should be aware of artists' creative processes, working styles, and potential challenges they may face during the collaboration
  • Building a foundation of mutual respect and understanding can facilitate more effective communication and problem-solving (Kara Walker's "A Subtlety" at the Domino Sugar Factory)

Effective Communication and Negotiation Strategies

  • Clear, concise communication is essential for conveying ideas, expectations, and feedback to artists
  • Negotiation strategies should focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions that balance the artist's vision with the institution's goals and resources
  • Regular check-ins and progress updates can help maintain effective communication and address any issues that arise during the collaboration
  • When conflicts or challenges arise, it's important to approach them with empathy and a willingness to find creative solutions (Christo and Jeanne-Claude's "The Gates" in Central Park)

Ethical Considerations in Art Commissions

Respecting Artists' Rights and Fair Compensation

  • Curators must respect artists' intellectual property rights and ensure proper attribution and crediting of their work
  • Fair compensation and timely payment for artists' labor and materials are essential ethical considerations
  • Informed consent and clear communication regarding the use and display of artists' works are crucial ethical practices
  • Curators should be aware of power dynamics and avoid exploiting or unduly influencing artists' creative decisions (Richard Prince's "New Portraits" series and the issue of appropriation)

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

  • Ethical considerations may also include the representation of marginalized communities and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the art world
  • Curators must consider the potential impact of commissioned works on the artist's reputation and career, as well as the institution's image
  • Advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented artists and diverse perspectives is an essential aspect of the curator's role (The "We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965–85" exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum)

The Curator's Role in Contemporary Art

Supporting Emerging Artists

  • Curators play a significant role in identifying, nurturing, and showcasing talented emerging artists
  • Supporting emerging artists may involve providing exhibition opportunities, facilitating connections with collectors and gallerists, and offering professional development resources
  • Curators can help establish and advance the careers of contemporary artists by contextualizing their work within art historical and contemporary contexts
  • Mentorship and guidance from curators can be invaluable for emerging artists as they navigate the complexities of the art world (The "Younger Than Jesus" exhibition at the New Museum)

Promoting Established Artists and Critical Discourse

  • Promoting established artists involves creating new opportunities for public engagement, such as retrospectives, site-specific installations, or collaborations with other institutions
  • Curators can contribute to the critical discourse surrounding contemporary artists by writing essays, catalogs, and reviews that offer insights into their work and its significance
  • Organizing symposia, panel discussions, and educational programs can further engage audiences and deepen their understanding of contemporary art
  • Collaborating with other curators, scholars, and institutions can lead to innovative projects and fresh perspectives on established artists' work (The "David Hockney: A Bigger Picture" exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts)

Key Terms to Review (18)

Artist liaison: An artist liaison is a professional who serves as the primary point of communication and coordination between artists and organizations, ensuring that the needs and expectations of both parties are met. This role is essential in fostering strong relationships with living artists, facilitating collaboration, and navigating the complexities of commissioning new works. The artist liaison also plays a vital role in managing logistics, negotiating contracts, and addressing any concerns that may arise throughout the creative process.
Artist residency: An artist residency is a program that provides artists with dedicated time, space, and resources to create new work, often in collaboration with a community or institution. These residencies can vary in length and focus, allowing artists to engage with their practice while receiving support from organizations that value innovation and experimentation in the arts.
Artist selection committee: An artist selection committee is a group of individuals tasked with choosing artists for specific projects, exhibitions, or commissions. This committee typically evaluates proposals, portfolios, and concepts presented by artists, ensuring that the selected works align with the goals and vision of the project or organization. Their role is critical in fostering collaboration and ensuring that the artists selected bring unique perspectives and creativity to the work being commissioned.
Artist trust: An artist trust refers to the relationship and agreements between artists and institutions, such as museums or galleries, that support the creation, exhibition, and promotion of an artist's work. This trust fosters collaboration and understanding, allowing for new works to be commissioned while also ensuring the artist's vision and integrity are respected throughout the process. It serves as a foundation for building long-term relationships between artists and curators, ultimately benefiting both parties in the art community.
Collaborative practice: Collaborative practice refers to a cooperative approach where artists, curators, and various stakeholders work together to create new works or exhibitions. This process emphasizes dialogue, shared decision-making, and mutual respect, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can contribute to the creative outcome. It is particularly relevant in the context of working with living artists and commissioning new works, as it allows for meaningful engagement and co-creation.
Commissioning process: The commissioning process is a structured approach in the art world where an artist is contracted to create a specific work or project. This process involves collaboration between the artist and the commissioner, often an institution or individual, to establish the vision, budget, timeline, and other essential details for the artwork. It plays a critical role in fostering new creations and supporting living artists by providing them with the necessary resources and platform to showcase their work.
Curator: A curator is a professional responsible for the selection, organization, and management of a collection or exhibition in a museum or gallery. Curators play a vital role in shaping the narrative of an exhibition by choosing works, developing themes, and ensuring that the presentation is engaging and educational for visitors. Their work often involves collaboration with artists, institutions, and the community to create meaningful cultural experiences.
Grant funding: Grant funding refers to financial support provided by an organization, typically a government agency or foundation, to support specific projects or initiatives without the expectation of repayment. This type of funding is crucial for artists and institutions as it enables the creation of new works, facilitates collaborations, and supports traveling exhibitions by covering expenses such as materials, labor, and operational costs.
Group show: A group show is an exhibition that features the works of multiple artists, usually centered around a common theme or concept. This type of exhibition allows for diverse artistic expressions to be showcased simultaneously, highlighting different perspectives and styles while fostering collaboration among artists. Group shows can take place in various venues, such as galleries or museums, and often aim to engage the audience in a broader conversation about art and its social context.
Interdisciplinary project: An interdisciplinary project is a collaborative effort that integrates concepts, methods, and perspectives from multiple disciplines to address a specific issue or create new knowledge. These projects encourage teamwork among individuals with different areas of expertise, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving by combining diverse viewpoints and approaches.
Participatory art: Participatory art is an artistic practice that actively involves the audience or community in the creation or experience of the artwork, fostering a sense of collaboration and engagement. This approach shifts the traditional role of the viewer from passive observer to active participant, allowing for shared experiences and collective dialogue.
Proposal review: Proposal review is the process of evaluating project proposals, particularly those related to art commissions and exhibitions, to determine their feasibility, artistic merit, and alignment with institutional goals. This process is essential in working with living artists as it ensures that new works meet both creative expectations and logistical requirements, facilitating successful collaborations.
Relational Aesthetics: Relational aesthetics is an art theory that focuses on the social interactions and relationships that art can create, rather than on the traditional aesthetic experience. This approach emphasizes participatory art practices and the engagement of viewers as active participants, blurring the boundaries between art, artist, and audience.
Solo exhibition: A solo exhibition is an art show that features the work of a single artist, allowing them to present their artistic vision and ideas in a focused manner. This format enables curators to create a cohesive narrative around the artist's practice, highlighting their unique style, themes, and techniques. Solo exhibitions are important for both emerging and established artists, as they provide an opportunity for deeper engagement with audiences and critical feedback.
Sponsorship: Sponsorship refers to the financial or material support provided by individuals, organizations, or businesses to artists or cultural institutions in exchange for promotional opportunities or benefits. This relationship often enhances visibility for both parties, allowing artists to create new works and institutions to attract audiences while aligning with sponsors' branding goals.
Studio visits: Studio visits are informal meetings where curators, collectors, or art professionals visit an artist's studio to view their work, discuss their practice, and build relationships. These visits are essential for understanding an artist's creative process, gaining insight into their techniques, and fostering a collaborative environment that can lead to commissioning new works. Engaging in studio visits helps establish trust and rapport between the artist and curator or collector, enhancing the overall art ecosystem.
The International Association of Curators: The International Association of Curators is a global network that fosters collaboration among curators, promoting the development and exchange of knowledge in the field of contemporary art. This organization facilitates the commissioning of new works, ensuring that living artists are supported and given opportunities to showcase their creativity. By connecting curators from different backgrounds and cultures, the association enhances the dialogue around contemporary artistic practices and contributes to a richer understanding of the art world.
Workshops: Workshops are interactive sessions or programs designed to engage participants in hands-on learning and skill development, often led by experienced facilitators or artists. These sessions can serve various purposes, such as exploring new artistic techniques, discussing contemporary issues in art, or collaborating on projects. Workshops provide a unique opportunity for participants to connect with living artists, gain insights into their creative processes, and contribute to the development of new works.
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