Artists as Museum Curators

When artists assume professional curatorial roles in a museum setting,
some division between their artistic and curatorial work becomes necessary.
MFA programs and curatorial projects in commercial and artist-controlled
spaces provide some, but not all of the essential tools for navigating the
professional concerns of a museum curator. This presentation explores issues
of object handling and preservation, the complex relationship between
communities and their artistic institutions, and the ethics of managing one's
own artistic career when in a position of power in one's community. Discussing
the overlaps and gaps between artistic and curatorial education and practice
leads to practical solutions for ethically balancing two careers.