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- David Barrie recently gave a thought-provoking lecture entitled "A Bigger Picture: why contemporary art curators need to get out more". He describes why a heritage-oriented mindset can result in constrained collections, noting that: "Despite our long colonial history and our rich links with countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean [...] visitors to museums and galleries in the UK have remarkably few opportunities to see art that is being produced in countries that lie outside the narrow confines of the so-called 'international contemporary art world'." He also skewers the myopic tendencies of some curators who "... neglect art that does not fit comfortably into their intellectual categories". He calls for curators to "get out more", escape the bonds of insularity, and be brave by broadening their own horizons. The text is simultaneously a call to action and an examination of conscience.

- A great interview with Carolee Thea by Richard J. Goldstein that reveals some of her thoughts on the biennial ("an exhibition structure beyond itself, an event that allows for very difficult subject matter"; "Its function, as defined by planners and curators, is to add intellectual capital"; "a component in spreading visual literacy"; etc) and the art market ("artists and curators are unavoidably affected by the onslaught of art fairs and consumerism"). (Thea's recent book of interviews with prominent curators, On Curating: Interviews with Ten International Curators also looks quite good.)

- "I'm not against the market. It's just that I'm against the way the market is overdetermining the art complex at the moment," Vasif Kortun says. "At the same time, we know full well that we provide almost a recruitment ground or a research and progress for the market at the same time. It would be quite ridiculous to say that the biennale is completely alien and independent of the market and its interests."

- Francesco Bonami once said "In theory now you could curate a whole Venice Biennale using only the Internet". The Guggenheim takes a few steps in that direction with YouTube Play, a contest to find the best online video works. Submitted videos will be assessed by a jury and the winners will be exhibited at Guggenheim Museums around the world, and of course, on YouTube.

- An article by Janine Armin on the New York Times articulates the current precarious position freelance curators find themselves in, and identifies the growth of biennials as a particular bright spot in opportunities for freelancers. I found Nicola Trezzi's article describing the growth of artist-curated exhibitions in FlashArt a good complement to Armin's article. While Armin's article quoted established curators explaining why freelancers are still very much necessary (even if it is difficult to be one), Trezzi's article can be viewed as taking those statements even further, reminding us of the multiplicity of reasons why or how someone would curate an exhibition, how it's a creative act in itself, and the value of the artist-curator viewpoint.

Art on the Underground provides a world-class programme of contemporary art that enriches the Tube environment and our customers’ journey experience; and continues the long-standing tradition that excellent art and design is at the core of London Underground's identity and services.

The role

This is an opportunity for a dynamic curator to join the team to devise and produce high quality commissions and exhibitions. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and delivery of the contemporary programme and its online presence. You will implement planned projects and devise and deliver new projects and liaise with stakeholders to ensure strategic objectives are met. You will be the main point of contact between the London Underground, Transport for London and artistic collaborators.

What you’ll need

You will have excellent curatorial and project management skills, a proven track record of delivering exhibitions and installations by high calibre artists to a range of audiences and a specific interest in a non-gallery context. You will have an excellent understanding of contemporary artistic practice, good contacts and excellent negotiations skills. You will need to budget realistically, fundraise where necessary, and write lively customer –focused copy for all publicity. Experience of managing and liaising with relevant agencies and senior management will be crucial. You will be a team player that inspires those around you.

Excellent benefits include:

- 29 days’ annual holiday plus public and bank holidays
- Final salary pension
- Free Tube travel and travel concessions including discounted Eurostar travel
- Performance Award
- Health club and gym discounts
- Private medical insurance

Please apply at tfl.gov.uk/jobs quoting reference TfL11414 in the keyword search.

Closing date: 16th July 2010

We want to be as diverse as the city we represent and welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

About us
Founded in 1977, Open Eye Gallery is one of the UK’s leading spaces for photography. Following a period of closure we’re preparing to reopen early next year in new premises on Liverpool’s historic waterfront. As well as larger galleries for our cutting-edge exhibitions, we’ll have expanded engagement programmes and a dedicated space for displays from our print collection. We’re raising our ambition on every level, to share what we do with more people and to make a much bigger impact - locally, nationally and internationally.

About the role
Working closely with the Director, you will research, develop and deliver the gallery’s ambitious programme of exhibitions, commissions and public events. You will be responsible for managing the gallery spaces and print collection. As a key member of a small, senior team you’ll make a big contribution to our new strategic and creative vision. Responsibilities include fundraising and budget management, evaluation, writing and editing texts, managing exhibition installations. Salary range £23-27K, Full time, with 25 days annual leave and pension benefits.

About you
You will have substantial experience of organising exhibitions and events in a visual arts context. You will have extensive, demonstrable knowledge of contemporary photography and visual arts. You will have strong management skills and will inspire confidence and respect in colleagues at all levels. You’ll be dynamic, practical and prepared to lead from the front. You’ll have outstanding communication and negotiation skills. You’ll be a team player and a creative, collaborative worker; you’ll be tuned in to the big picture as well as the fine detail.

For further information and to download an application pack, visit our website www.openeye.org.uk.

For further information please contact Gallery Director Patrick Henry patrick -at- openeye.org.uk

Our jobs are open to all.

Closing date: Monday 19 July 2010.

Interview date: Thursday 5 August 2010.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is seeking an Assistant Curator for the Abu Dhabi Project team. This position is responsible for assisting with the curatorial needs for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project. They include assisting with research and development of exhibitions for the program of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, providing support on the future museum's site-specific commissioning program; conducting research and compiling materials for acquisitions for Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; managing curatorial records for exhibitions and collection artworks and artists; administration and coordination of loan requests and exhibition checklists; providing support as needed for exhibitions, museum publications and publicly accessible content in written and electronic form; acting as a curatorial ambassador for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

There are no direct reports associated with this position.

Key Responsibilities:

- Assist with the research, development and successful delivery of the exhibitions and commissioning program for Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
- Conduct research on artists and artworks as needed for exhibitions, commissions, acquisitions and publications.
- Maintain research database on artists and works of interest for exhibitions, commissions.
- Develop and maintain curatorial object and artist file including records for exhibitions activity, correspondence with artists and their representatives, museums, galleries and collectors
- Maintain curatorial data in computerized collections management system (TMS) and initiate data entry for exhibitions.
- Assist in all aspects of the exhibitions process including administration of loan requests and negotiations; maintain planning timelines for exhibitions and liaison with exhibitions management, technical and installation teams.
- Assist in budget preparation and management for exhibitions and exhibition-related projects.
- Work with Curator of Exhibitions, Associate Curator for Collections and Exhibitions, Curatorial Assistant and Researcher and other members of the broader Curatorial team, in the preparation of acquisition proposals and acquisition meetings including compiling of dossiers and writing texts on artists and works.
- Participate in regular Guggenheim Abu Dhabi curatorial meetings and Guggenheim departmental meetings.
- Assist the Exhibitions Curator in the preparation of PowerPoint presentations for curatorial, scholarly and external stakeholder meetings.
- Liaise with Education teams on public programs and interpretation materials.
- Assist with preparation and management of catalogue production.
- Compile exhibition catalogue bibliographies and chronologies as directed on a project-by-project basis.
- Work with Publications department to assemble images and texts, and confirm reproduction and copyright permissions for all published material.
- Write short texts on artworks for exhibition wall texts, catalogue entries, and other print and electronic media as called upon.
- Confirm label copy for all works for exhibitions, loans, publications, and educational materials.
- Respond to internal requests for information about exhibitions and commissions.
- General fact checking for the Development department and the Media and Public Relations Department.
- Assist in the supervision of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project interns
- Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

- M.A. in Art History or the equivalent (defined as at least 3 years prior museum work experience). Majors in other relevant disciplines will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Background in modern and contemporary art with an interest in art from the Middle East
- Previous experience of working in a curatorial department.
- Interest and ability in curatorial research.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Professional demeanor and diplomatic approach.
- Ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of internal and external individuals, including artists, galleries, donors, and colleagues in the museum field.
- Proficiency in Arabic and one European language desired.
- Knowledge of computer databases and MS Office software
- Writing sample to be provided upon request.

The Guggenheim offers a competitive salary and excellent medical, dental, life insurance, disability and pension plan coverage. Our staff also enjoys generous vacation, sick leave and personal days, access to a variety of cultural institutions, discounts to museum stores and a stimulating and collegial work environment.

Qualified applicants please send your resume and cover letter, including salary expectations, to employment -at- guggenheim.org. Indicate the job title “Assistant Curator, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project” in the subject line. Only those applicants who meet our requirements for this position will be contacted.

Contextual information:
The new Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be located in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, the 450,000-square-foot museum will house its own major modern and contemporary art collection and present special exhibitions that will include works from the Guggenheim Foundation’s extensive collection. The museum, the largest Guggenheim in the world, will have global art, exhibitions, and education programs with particular focus on Middle Eastern contemporary art. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi joins other leading international cultural institutions in the unprecedented creation of a vibrant cultural destination for visitors from around the world.

Suzanne Cotter, Curator of Exhibitions, Abu Dhabi Project, and Reem Fadda, Associate Curator for Middle Eastern Art, Abu Dhabi Project, will join members of the Abu Dhabi Project team to develop future exhibition programming for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and to advise on the creation of its art collection focused on international postwar art.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit, the state's pre-eminent Studio School and center for the exhibition of contemporary art seeks a Curator of Contemporary Art, one of four senior managers reporting to the Executive Director. The Curator's primary responsibility is to provide leadership and vision for the Art Center's continued curatorial excellence. Specifically, the curator will develop innovative and diverse thematic and solo scholarly exhibitions for this non-collecting institution that will engage existing and new audiences. The Curator will collaborate with the Director of Programs to integrate exhibitions with education programs and activities in order to fulfill the Art Center's mission of "Bringing Art and People Together." The Curator will be responsible for implementing curatorial policies, preparing and overseeing the exhibition budgets and, with the assistance of the Exhibitions Coordinator, managing all day-to-day activities of the department.

The successful candidate will hold an MA in art history or related field, a minimum of 3-5 years curatorial experience engaged in the field of contemporary art, demonstrated research and writing skills and a record of publications. In addition, candidates must have gallery presentation experience and excellent speaking skills.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Send cover letter, vitae, curatorial record, list of 3 references and examples of critical writings on contemporary art or related topics to: Executive Director, Visual Arts Center of NJ, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901 USA or marion -at- artcenternj.org.

No phone calls.

Haus der Kulturen der Welt invites up-and-coming curators to enter their proposals for site-specific art projects in public space for Meridian | Urban. Curatorial Projects on Health.

Meridians – imaginary lines running from pole to pole, connecting one region with another – help us map the world. In traditional Asian medicine, the meridian system is an invisible network that provides the body with vital energy. Although Western science has not yet acknowledged its existence, the meridian is our starting point for targeting questions of balance and imbalance.

Curators are invited to propose artworks for the city center of Berlin. The projects should address the relationship between art and health, referring to its implications for contemporary urban life and challenging our idea of human nature. Creating a map of the city and detecting its pulse, the projects of Meridian | Urban will be presented in public spaces in Berlin during the 8th Asia-Pacific Weeks (September 6-17, 2011). Selected participants will be invited to a workshop in the framework of Synapse, the international network for up-and-coming curators at Haus der Kulturen der Welt.

Organization and partners:
Haus der Kulturen der Welt is a place for international contemporary arts and a forum for current developments and discourse. It presents artistic productions from around the world, with a special focus on non-European cultures and societies. Visual arts, music, literature, performing arts, film, academic discussions and digital media are all linked in an interdisciplinary program that is unique in Europe. Haus der Kulturen der Welt plans and coordinates the cultural section of the Asia-Pacific Weeks Berlin in cooperation with the Berlin Senate Chancellery and local and international partners.

Application requirements:
The call is open to curators with initial curatorial experience in the field of public art. At least one member of each project/group (curator or artist) must be Berlin-based, and at least one member must be able to demonstrate a link to the Asia-Pacific region.

Deadline for entries: September 17, 2010
Please submit your application digitally (pdf file of max. 9 MB) to meridian.urban -at- hkw.de
Only electronic applications in English will be accepted.
In order to apply, please send the components of your project proposal as listed below.

Components of project proposals
1. Application form with personal details
2. Detailed concept of the project with visualization in the form of sketches, photos, plans, etc.
3. Suggested venue in the Berlin city center and a sketch of the site
4. List of participating artist(s) and curator(s) including brief CVs
5. Report of previous curatorial projects
6. Schedule for development and realization
7. Financial plan

Selection procedure:
An international jury of curators will review the project proposals and announce up to five selected projects by October 2010. Each selected project will receive a financial subsidy for production costs of up to EUR 20,000 as well as logistic support. The selected participants will be invited to a preparatory production meeting in Berlin (up to one week) between late October and December 2010. Groups will be asked to send a single representative.

Jury members: Katja Blomberg (art historian, Berlin) | Yu Yeon Kim (curator, NYC and Seoul) (tbc) | Osvaldo Sánchez (curator, Mexico City) | Adele Tan (art historian, Singapore)

Contact: If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact meridian.urban -at- hkw.de

Meridian l Urban. Curatorial Projects on Health takes place in the framework of the 8th Asia-Pacific Weeks, September 6-17, 2011. The Asia-Pacific Weeks are supported by the Stiftung Deutsche Klassenlotterie Berlin.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York, USA) is seeking a Curatorial Assistant for Collections.

This position is responsible for assisting with various curatorial needs for the Guggenheim’s permanent collection, including facilitating and processing new acquisitions, managing curatorial paper and electronic records for collection artworks and artists, responding to various internal and external queries about artworks in the collection, and providing support as needed for collection exhibitions, outgoing loans, and museum publications, including the Guggenheim’s Web site.

For more information, please visit the jobs section of the Guggenheim's website.

Curatorial Bursary at Cubitt (London, UK)

Time frame: 18 months
Dates: December 2010 – May 2012
Value of bursary: £10,000

The Curatorial Bursary at Cubitt is an exciting opportunity to develop an exhibition and events programme in one of the UK's most established artist-run spaces.

In 2011, Cubitt Gallery and Studios will celebrate twenty years of creative dialogue with its diverse audience, and the holder of the bursary will play an important role in the development of our future activities.

Please visit www.cubittartists.org.uk for more information and details about how to apply.

Deadline for applications: Friday 25 June, 5pm

Cubitt is an equal opportunities employer. We promote cultural diversity and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

The Curatorial Bursary at Cubitt is generously supported by Arts Council England and Outset Contemporary Art Fund.

This city wide celebration of Irish and International art is intended to shine a light on Ireland as a cultural centre, attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors over its twelve week programme.

Championed by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport with the support of artistic organisations throughout the city, major tourism and cultural agencies and educational partners, Dublin Contemporary will be the most exciting and dynamic cultural event ever seen on the island.

We are looking to fill a number of key positions for Dublin Contemporary; vibrant individuals with expertise and passion who will play a part in making Dublin Contemporary an exceptional experience for all.

Associate Curators:

The curatorial team for Dublin Contemporary will comprise of the Artistic Director, Project Curator and two experienced Associate Curators. Reporting to the Artistic Director, the right candidates will research and deliver the artistic programme and the publications, seminars, talks and discussions associated with it.

The associate curators will work with the project curator to ensure the timely and successful implementation of all aspects of the artists’ projects and installation of works. By necessity, the associate curators will work closely with production, technical, and where appropriate marketing and promotions.

Financial management and a keen knowledge of project delivery is essential, as is a comprehensive understanding of contemporary arts practice and a dynamic approach to the requirements of an artistic event on a major scale.

Apply online via the Guardian Jobs website.

Senior Curator - firstsite

£32,000 - £35,000

Based in Colchester, firstsite is a leading visual arts organisation for the East of England, building a reputation over the last 15 years for presenting new work to new audiences through its integrated artistic, artists' support and learning programmes. In 2011 firstsite will take occupancy of its new purpose-built venue.

We are inviting applications to join our Senior Management Team to manage and drive the organisation's artistic and artists' support programme. You will be joining firstsite at an exciting time, as the new building nears completion, and will play a major role in developing its ambitious programme, partnerships, and local and international profile. You will have demonstrable leadership and managerial experience within a curatorial context and have the ability to manage and oversee complex projects. You will possess excellent communication and administrative skills.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and covering letter to: Recruitment @ firstsite, 4 - 6 Short Wyre Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1LN

Closing Date: Friday 9 July 2010

Registered charity no 1031800

For further information please visit: http://www.firstsite.uk.net

Location: Labor (1053 Budapest, Képíró u. 6.)

Residency dates: July, August, 2010

LABOR announces a competition for artists and curators for the use of the space of LABOR as a studio or an art space for a two- or four-week time in July and August 2010. Successful applicants can use the space of LABOR for realizing projects related to visual culture. The aim of the residency is to provide a possibility for artists and curators for individual (or collective) work, introduction, and to meet the members of Hungarian contemporary art scene. During the residency participants can use the spatial and technical facilities of LABOR (internet access, laptop); the library and the exhibition spaces.

The residency project covers the use of the art space, however, upon request we can help in finding accommodation, seeking and building professional relationships.

Application should contain:

- detailed professional CV

- motivation letter and working plan (max. 2 pages), where the applicant states whether s/he would like to use the space for two or four weeks

Applications should be e-mailed to labor -at- c3.hu.

New deadline for applications: June 13, 2010

The City of Peterborough is currently seeking: Art Gallery Curator
Community Services Department/Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough seeks a Curator with experience in exhibition development, collection management, publication history and a strong commitment to community. Reporting to the Director, the Curator is responsible for the research, planning, administration and interpretation of the exhibition program and the permanent collection within the context of the gallery mandate. The successful candidate possesses a thorough knowledge of contemporary art practice, as well as familiarity with curatorial, education, and museum practices. They will supervise education program staff, volunteers and interns to ensure the Art Gallery services are provided effectively and efficiently. The successful candidate will also coordinate the City's Public Art Program in partnership with the City's Arts, Culture and Heritage Division. The City of Peterborough is a diversified and active community with a population of approximately 75,000 people, offers excellent opportunities for growth, as well as higher learning at Trent University and Fleming College.

Qualifications:

- A Masters degree in Visual Art or Art History or equivalent
- A minimum two (2) years curatorial experience. Previous supervisory experience an asset.
- Must be current with the broader trends, issues and concerns within the arts community and engaged in the development of related programs and special events.
- Experienced in managing acquisitions, a Permanent Collection and familiarity with collection software is essential.
- Experienced with Public Art policy and practices.
- Excellent leadership and team building skills; the ability to effectively coach, motivate, and coordinate the work of others
- The ability to support and facilitate positive work relationships; good public and employee relation skills with a focus on customer service and continuous improvement.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- A respect for the diversity of opinions, perspective and ideas; and be comfortable with changing priorities and demands.

This is permanent full-time position (35 hours/week) with a salary range of $64,594 - $70,593

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a résumé and cover letter, quoting file number no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2010, to: City of Peterborough, Human Resources Division, City Hall, 500 George Street North, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R9 Canada. Fax: (705) 742-7021.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough, incorporated in 1974, is a non-profit public gallery dedicated to exhibiting and collecting visual works of art. Information about artists and exhibitions is offered through educational programmes and publications. Funds generated from memberships, private and corporate sources, government grants and volunteer hours sustain all art gallery activities.
Our goal is to present contemporary visual art by artists from the immediate area, region and nation. Some historical and international work is also shown. The exhibitions are augmented with programmes of films, lectures, workshops, art history studies, extended labels and publications. We make curatorial choices in selecting the work for each particular exhibition whether it is featured in the main gallery or in the smaller exhibition areas. For more information, please visit www.agp.on.ca, www.peterborough.ca/jobs

The personal information submitted for employment is collected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Director/Curator, Dunlop Art Gallery

Reporting to the Library Director, and as a member of the management team, the Director/Curator, Dunlop Art Gallery (DAG) is responsible for the overall operations of the gallery and for the creative management of this unit within the mandate and policies approved by the Regina Public Library Board. The position’s areas of responsibility include exhibitions, public programs and education (such as lectures, workshops and film presentations), touring exhibitions, promotion and collection management of the RPL permanent collection, DAG Art Rental Collection and DAG Research Centre.

Located within the Regina Public Library, the Dunlop Art Gallery presents a wide and varied program which includes exhibitions, residencies, interpretive programs, community collaborations and scholarly publications. The DAG exhibits in two gallery spaces in two locations and actively participates with the vibrant and engaged Regina arts community.

More than half of the gallery’s programming is curated by the Dunlop staff. The DAG also includes a bibliographic resource centre, an art rental service and a permanent collection representing Saskatchewan Artists. More information about the Dunlop can be found at www.dunlopartgallery.org.

This position requires a Master of Fine Arts degree from an accredited university program, or the equivalent combination of arts education and experience, and formal training in arts/culture management, as well as five to seven years of progressive experience in the field of arts management, preferably in gallery administration, and experience in the fields of Visual Arts, Art History, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, Studio Art or a related discipline.

Salary is negotiable based on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. The Library does offer a highly competitive salary starting in the mid to high seventies.

Regina is a dynamic, progressive community, with a strong, diversified economy and a quality of life that is exceptional. It’s a city with a population of approximately 200,000 that celebrates its cultural diversity and is known for its generous, friendly people. Where else in Canada can you enjoy top-notch big city attractions while taking only 20 minutes to get from one end of the city to another?

Review of applications will begin on June 29, 2010. Please forward résumé and cover letter to:
Human Resources
Regina Public Library, P.O. Box 2311
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3Z5
Fax: 949-7273
Email: resumes -at- reginalibrary.ca

A job description and additional information about the position is available in the careers section of the RPL Web site at: http://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/jobs.html

- Robert Manchester, curator at the Yellowstone Art Museum, was recently fired. Some tensions: "Manchester said he was asked by Peterson [the Executive Director] to have Apfelbaum [the current artist exhibiting] change her installation and he refused. "You don’t tell an international artist to make something else. I just said I wouldn’t do it. Because I defied Robyn, I had to go. I hadn’t abdicated my curatorial responsibilities," he said. Manchester said he hung 44 shows during his tenure at the museum while he watched the number of staff members decline. Peterson said the YAM currently employs the equivalent of 17 full-time employees. She said the past year has been a financial challenge for the museum, which closed its café and museum store in the past year." Reading between the lines, and extrapolating this situation (a closed cafe and store, alleged increased demands/stringencies on curatorial action), I wonder how many similar situations are unfolding at institutions worldwide: curators asked to trim in the face of dismissed cafe staff, a shuttered store; curators asked what they are doing (still working the old-fashioned way?) personally with artists to commission new work? I don't envy anyone's position (ambitious curator; financially-pressured director) in this situation, though I sympathise most with the curator trying to defend the artist. We are all just trying to make something remarkable happen, for artists, for ourselves, for the public.

- A power couple (Art historian Libby Lumpkin and art critic Dave Hickey) are leaving Las Vegas, and the article detailing their departure is an interesting short study in what makes an art scene. In this case we are talking about an art historian and a critic, but curators are often expected to be this force. In a recent edition of the Edinburgh Salon I used to co-produce with curator Kirsten Lloyd, we discussed "art scenes", and this sounds like a frivolous topic, but as the article about Lumpkin and Hickey details, it is deadly serious when the intellectual centre of gravity leaves town. What makes or breaks places, "scenes", is the people, and curators are in a particularly prime place to shape dialogue and provide leadership.

- Issue 05 of On Curating is out, and this edition, The Making of... focuses on development processes and production conditions of exhibitions. Central issues are: collaborative processes, expectations by artists / curators and working conditions, with contributions by: Sabeth Buchmann, Marina Coelho, Sønke Gau, Juan Francisco Gonzalez-Martinez, and many more.

- Independent Curators International (ICI) are doing a really interesting series of talks at the New Museum, and independent curator Bisi Silva is one of their most recent guests. In the podcast of the talk, Silva discusses the mission and history of the Centre, her career as a curator, and the various political, social, cultural and artistic notions that CCA, Lagos' exhibitions have examined.