November 13–19, 2023
The Autumn School of Curating is a captivating opportunity for emerging curators worldwide, now in its 5th edition.
Organized by Cluj Cultural Centre and the Art Encounters Foundation Timișoara, the one-week seminar takes place between November 13–19, 2023, both in Cluj and Timișoara, Romania.
This year’s edition promises to be a transformative journey led by Xiaoyu Weng, a trailblazing figure in the realm ofcontemporary curatorial practice, and an international team of curators and artists.
For A Multitude of Futures is the guiding theme of the Autumn School of Curating, inviting participants to embark on a deep exploration of the future’s myriad possibilities. The central question that looms large over this seminar is: “How can we transcend deterministic ways of thinking about the future?” This inquiry breaks the boundaries of mere curatorial practice; it is a philosophical endeavor and a pressing challenge of contemporary life.
During this one-week program, participants will have the opportunity to:
Interrogate determinism in a technological age: The relentless march of technology has deeply ingrained deterministic ideologies into our collective psyche. The seminar will encourage participants to dissect the intricate interplay between determinism and technological advancements. How do these ideologies shape our understanding of the world? What is their impact on culture, society, and art?
Navigate the intersection of art and technology: In an era where technology and art converge unprecedentedly in unprecedented ways, it is imperative for curators must challenge conventional boundaries. This program offers a platform to explore the symbiotic relationship between technological development, artistic creation, and curatorial practices. How can these domains inform and enrich each other? What new creative possibilities emerge at their intersection?
Engage with Xiaoyu Weng’s visionary approach: Xiaoyu Weng, renowned for her provocative and visionary curatorial strategies, will lead the way. Participants will have the privilege of delving into her bold and groundbreaking approach to curating, gaining valuable insights into her methodologies, and learning how to push the boundaries of curatorial practice to new heights.
Reflect on the evolving curatorial landscape: The role of curators in shaping cultural discourse is ever-evolving. This seminar offers a space for critical reflection on the contemporary curatorial landscape. Explore curators’ challenges and opportunities today and how they influence artistic and cultural narratives.
Who can apply?
We are looking for entrants from a mix of backgrounds, particularly emergent curators, art critics, and artists who are working in curating, with a minimum of 3 years of practice, as well as established curators who want to think and talk about the challenges and opportunities that they face today.
The school is free of charge, open to international candidates and the classes will be conducted exclusively in English.
How to apply
Applications for the Autumn School of Curating #5 can be sent until October 4, 2023. Find all the details on the seminar website.
Xiaoyu Weng is a curator and writer based in New York. Her curatorial and writing practices focus on the impact of globalization, identity, decolonization, and the intersection of art, science, and technology. Most recently, she was the Carol and Morton Rapp Curator and head of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto, Canada. Previously, she was The Robert H.N. Ho Family Associate Curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, where she curated highly acclaimed exhibitions, such as Tales of Our Time and One Hand Clapping.
Suppose you are passionate about the future of curatorial practice and eager to challenge the determinism that often clouds our vision. In that case, this seminar is your opportunity to join a community of like-minded individuals and forge a path toward a multitude of futures.
