The process has been challenging but intriguing for me as this is the first project I have ever curated for the public eye. Making a team was of great importance due to my heavy role and juggling a part time job, full time university Photography BA, Young Arnolfini and a project leader on a creative programme for people with learning difficulties. The roles, which needed to be played, were: marketing (so emailing people on a contact list I had created from my previous experience working with a marketing team at a gallery), then a graphics team, someone who could work on the poster and leaflet and then another on the zine. A zine was discussed more than any of the other marketing aspects as we had limited funding, and this would take a huge part of the budget, but found it was better to have one, due to professionals needing to see the work but also see them in a publication. The photographers could then also use this for their personal use in their portfolios.
As well as this we have also produced invitations to send to professionals so they are more inclined to come.
Other forms of marketing needed to be done, such as online sources as we are living in a digital age, is the modern way of getting their names known. Facebook, Bristol City Council official website, Buffalie events, katiemorganphotography.co.uk, had the exhibition marketed on there, as well as company’s, such as FotoGallery, on their website and online sources.
The exhibition needed to have a preview event; like every preview event Katie had been to, she knew what made a good and bad night. Bethany Jefferson, events organizer and also location spotter, has decided to create a schedule, so everything runs smoothly in comparison to other events. Meeting new people/professionals, speeches (from photographers and professionals) nibbles and drinks. They will get time to look around at the work shown in the space and get to talk to one another and discuss. The idea is to get as many professionals there, so Katie, Beth, and the photographers will be known in Bristol, and hopefully keep them as a contact for future use.
As not yet discussed, the location is in fact in the Victorian Toilets, Bristol owned by Bristol City Council. This was a unique choice and thought it was a very diverse to other exhibitions, idea by Bethany Jefferson. Isolation links in well, because this seems to be abandoned for its use and now turned into something incredible and eye catching to look at with its old and antique aspects of the building. This will intrigue our audiences because it is usual.
Obviously the exhibitions marketing were costly. The venue was free of charge, and the speakers were asked and gave up their time to come and help the young emerging artists. However, all the invites, posters, leaflets, and mainly zines, were of cost. With financial planning from Katie, they have managed to stay under the £200 mark, and most of the money was collected by each participant, which shows their dedication to be known and taken seriously in the art world, not just as a student/graduate.
I am happy to say, after all the hard work each and every one of them put in, the show was of a success, and the curation was handled with ‘care’ which is known to be a huge part to what curating should be.
ISOLATION
A FEELING WHICH MANY PEOPLE HAVE FELT AT SOME POINT