This module provides an introduction to the concepts and practices of curating contemporary design. Through a close partnership with the Design Museum, you will directly engage with the curatorial process and develop an understanding of the curatorial knowledge and core skills necessary to produce creative exhibitions, collection displays, learning and public programmes. Leading practitioners at the Design Museum and guest lecturers introduce the key elements of exhibition curating, including concept development and narrative structure, selecting exhibits, working with exhibition and graphic designers, understanding audiences, the role of interpretation, writing exhibition text and how the areas of communications, development, finance, learning, retail and publishing support exhibitions.
These elements are further developed in group curating projects, with live project briefs set by Design Museum curators exploring a key aspect of 21st century creative and professional practice. The projects encourage communication, collaboration, peer interaction and critical reflection in combination with the development of research, analytical and critical skills. The module also includes a programme of curating visits which runs alongside the main teaching programme. The programme includes visits to exhibitions and other sites of design and curatorial practice in London. It provides the opportunity to hear curators reflect on their practice in the context of their own spaces. The programme encourages critical reflection on the visits and the writing of exhibition reviews.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module is taught by formal lectures, seminars, workshops and project work. Curators and designers will be invited to introduce the key aspects of exhibition curating within the context of a public museum. There is also a group curating project led by a live project brief, to which students are asked to respond. The module includes a rolling programme of visits to exhibitions and other sites of design and curatorial practice in London and students will be expected to participate in this programme.
The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all. Students should check this site on a daily basis for module information, timetables, sign-ups, updates and additional information and teaching materials.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.
Students receive membership of the Design Museum as part of this module, and the module is taught on site at the museum. Students are encouraged to apply for student membership of the Museums Association which provides free entry to UK museums and exhibitions with an MA card, Museums Journal monthly and Museum Practice online. Membership of ICOM will provide free entry to international museums worldwide with an ICOM card.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, visits, project work | 45 |
| Guided independent study | 255 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment will be based on a 3,000 word essay that reflect the themes of the module and a 15-minute group presentation related to project work. Class participation is key for students to gain skills in critically assessing work and events, and in constructing convincing
argumentation. Students will be expected to draw on, incorporate and further develop skills in curatorial practice, knowledge and experience gained from readings, lectures and visits. The essay serves as a reference point against which the progress and development of independent thinking of students with regards to their understanding of the fields (design and curatorial practice), the application of theory and methodology and the formulation of arguments can be measured. The essay should interrogate, challenge and, where relevant, question current curatorial thinking and its engagement with design practice. Formative feedback will be provided on work-in-progress group presentations in seminars, workshops and tutorials.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the process of curating and producing a contemporary design exhibition; | Formative feedback in seminars, workshops and tutorials. Summatively assessed through the Essay and Group Presentation related to live project work. |
| 2. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the application of appropriate curatorial methods necessary for the realisation of exhibitions and displays; | Formative feedback in seminars, workshops and tutorials. Summatively assessed through the Essay and Group Presentation related to live project work. |
| 3. Display a critical awareness of current theoretical and practical issues in design curation through research, display and interpretation; | Formative feedback in seminars, workshops and tutorials. Summatively assessed through the Essay and Group Presentation related to live project work. |
| 4. Offer a fuller understanding of the role of Learning in the museum and the means by which Learning programmes are developed to support an exhibition; | Formative feedback in seminars, workshops and tutorials. Summatively assessed through the Essay and Group Presentation related to live project work. |
| 5. Achieve an understanding of the design museum as a professional context for contemporary curatorial practice; | Formative feedback in seminars, workshops and tutorials. Summatively assessed through the Essay and Group Presentation related to live project work. |
| 6. Experience practical participation of group curating projects at the Design Museum. | Formative feedback in seminars, workshops and tutorials. Summatively assessed through the Essay and Group Presentation related to live project work. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000 word essay | Coursework | 60% |
| 15-minute group presentation related to project work | Practical exam | 40% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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