Slow Curating Clinic - How to engage in more relevant, reciprocal exchanges with audiences and communities

Participants will learn the seven-step approach to Slow Curating: Research + Experiment + Observation + Reflection + Dialogue + Adaptation + Repeat. Slow is not about time, per se, but about connection. More than a formula, Slow Curating is a framework in which the authorship and expertise is continually challenged, and the role of participant and audience becomes a priority in the process. Directly inspired by the principles of the Slow Movement, the Slow Curating framework denotes ‘slowness’ as an understanding of context with the aim to facilitate space for cultural agency across a broad spectrum of the population while democratizing the institution of the museum.

After briefly introducing the topic (10-15 minutes) and basic ideas of Slow Curating through three case studies (curating, education & teaching examples), we will break into groups of three people and sit together for 15 minutes. Each person will have 5 minutes to discuss a project where they could implement Slow Curating techniques or just listen and absorb. After 15 minutes, participants move to a new group and repeat the World Cafe process. The World Cafe method is designed to create a safe, welcoming environment to intentionally connect multiple ideas and perspectives on a topic by engaging participants in several rounds of small-group conversation. After three “rounds” – or 45 minutes– we will come together again as a larger group and open the floor for further discussion and comment. (30 minutes)