Artists, Exhibitions, Audiences: Curating Today

Course Description

Learning Objectives

 By the end of this course, you will be able to:
• Understand the curator's role in a larger cultural context 
• Analyze and critically assess works of art by a diverse selection of contemporary artists
• Get a better understanding of the various parts of the exhibition-making process
• Understand the wider communication of different types of exhibitions to various audiences
• Understand artistic processes through meetings with various art professionals, such as artists, curators and others. 

Faculty

Robert Stasinski, BA in Art History and Political Science, Stockholm University, 2006, Graduate of the International Curatorial Programme, Konstfack University College of Art, Craft and Design, 2004. Project Manager Iaspis International Residency Program 2006-2010, Editor in Chief of NU-E The Nordic Art Review Magazine 2004-2006, Art Critic in Flash Art, Kunstkritikk, Paletten, Editor-in-Chief of Konstnären Magazine since 2021. Course Manager, Art Management/Curatorial Studies at Stockholm University 2018-2024. DIS Faculty since 2019. Lecturer in Gender Studies/Posthumanities at Linköping university since 2025.

Readings

• McCarthy, C., & Schorch, P. (2018). Curatopia: Museums and the future of curatorship.
• Obrist, H. U., Bovier, L., & Theiler, B. (2008). A brief history of curating. Zurich: JRP/Ringier.
• O'Neill, Paul, Culture of Curating and the Curating of Culture(s), MIT Press (2012) 
• George, Adrian, The Curator's Handbook, Thames & Hudson (2015) 
• Bishop, Claire, Radical Museology, Walther König Verlag (2013) 
• Simpson, S. (2024). Art as Communication: Aesthetics, Evolution, and Signaling. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Raicovich, L. (2021). Culture strike: Art and museums in an age of protest. Verso Books.
• Miwon Kwon, One place after another – site-specific art and locational identity, MIT Press (2004) 
 • https://on-curating.org/
 

Field Studies

Exploring Stockholm as an arena for exposition and curatorial practice, we will visit exhibitions, museums, galleries, artists in their studios, freelance curators and other professionals to understand the mechanisms of exhibition production today. Examples of institutional visits can include the Moderna museet, Bonniers Konsthall, Liljevalchs, Index Foundation, Accelerator, Andréhn-Schiptjenko Gallery, Nordenhake, Tensta konsthall, and Saskia Neuman Gallery.

Study Tour

As part of the course, our study tour to Venice offers firsthand insight into one of the world’s classic yet most dynamic cultural hubs. Home to both art and architecture biennales, Venice blends cutting-edge contemporary practice with deep historical roots. We will explore new institutions housed in historic palazzos, experience a major international exhibition, and engage with classical art and architecture in this historical context.

Guest Lecturers

The guest lectures will include professionals from contemporary art, discussing skills, experience and cases of contemporary exhibition-making.

Approach to Teaching

The teaching style is discussion-based, with open-ended questions and cases as well as reflections and peer reviews with feedback from the students, teacher and external guests.

DIS Accommodations Statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support acadsupport@disstockholm.se

DIS Accommodations Statement (Summer)

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter on the first days of class. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support acadsupport@disstockholm.se

Expectations of the Students

Students are expected to actively engage with course materials, in discussions, and field studies. To show openness to your classmates and the artworks and people we encounter. To collaborate effectively in group workshops and take initiative in developing curatorial concepts. Students should maintain high standards in research, writing, and discussion while respecting other perspectives.

Evaluation

The student will be evaluated through their engagement in the classroom, with the course material, in group workshops, discussions and meetings with artists and arts professionals. Most importantly, the student must demonstrate a reflective understanding of artworks, exhibitions, and curatorial concepts.

Grading

Policy on late papers

Late papers will be accepted, but your grade for the paper will be reduced

Use of laptops or phones in class 

The use of electronic devices is allowed, provided they do not disturb the class or impede the students' attention.
   
Academic Regulations (Summer)

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org