Curation Placement at Scarborough Crescent Art
Crescent Arts, based in Scarborough, is a down-to-earth gallery focused on community engagement. During my placement there, I gained valuable insights into the creative field and the multifaceted role of a curator. Throughout my time, I participated in various tasks, from archiving documents and digitising artworks to assisting with installations and workshops. One highlight was watching artist Kate Genever create her large-scale stained-glass-inspired piece, We Are Our Own Promised Land.
This placement broadened my understanding of curatorial work, revealing the behind-the-scenes dedication and hard work that goes into organising exhibitions, and gave me practical experience in gallery management.
Kate Genever
One of the most memorable sessions I’ve had was watching Kate Genever install her artwork We Are Our Own Promised Land at Woodend. Using coloured vinyl to mimic stained glass, she created a Bee Orchid that responded to the building’s greenhouse history, merging nature with the gallery’s space. The piece could be experienced from both inside and outside—illuminated by natural light during the day and gallery lights at night, creating a dynamic visual experience.
Observing Kate’s meticulous process—measuring, cutting, and assembling vinyl on a large scale—was mesmerising. Her precision and physical labour resulted in a delicate flower, which highlighted the balance between hard work and artistic finesse. Inspired by her, I also created a nature-themed piece with vibrant foliage and magenta flowers on acrylic, contributing to the collaborative exhibition with Scarborough Sixth Form College.
Archival
During my placement at Crescent Arts, one of my key contributions was archiving and digitising years of accumulated materials. This task involved sorting through stacks of papers, annual reports, artist portfolios, and exhibition leaflets dating back to the 1980s. Organising these materials systematically for preservation was like solving a puzzle, offering insights into the administrative work behind running a gallery.
I discovered fascinating items, such as artist portfolios on discs, letters seeking exhibition opportunities, and prints and drawings from previous workshops. These materials reflected the evolution of Crescent Arts’ exhibitions and the artists involved, highlighting the gallery’s rich history. Among my favourite finds were prints from the 2009 exhibition, Wild.
Community
During my placement, I engaged with Scarborough’s community through various activities, including workshops and gardening. One highlight was organising a tote bag painting workshop with students for a book swap event. We provided tote bags and art supplies, and the students decorated them with nature-inspired designs, like flowers and plants. These unique, hand-painted bags were given to attendees to carry their new books in an eco-friendly way.
I also participated in gardening at the community garden, a new experience for me. Alongside the curator and a colleague, I helped top up the soil while others weeded and harvested vegetables. These community-focused activities allowed me to connect with locals and support the curator’s efforts to promote art and well-being in Scarborough.
Shadowing the curator revealed the extensive communication and writing required in curating. Through participating in meetings, I observed the collaborative nature of curating, from discussing ideas and developing proposals to seeking funding for exhibitions like de/composition. I learned how curators connect with artists and build networks within the art community, often using social media to find talent that aligns with the exhibition’s theme. I learned about the behind-the-scenes work, including research, planning, budgeting, and coordinating installations.
Curators face challenges like tight budgets and deadlines, requiring adaptability, but the role is deeply rewarding. They shape cultural narratives, showcase local artists, and engage the community. This experience has increased my eagerness to pursue more curatorial activities and contribute to my community.
In my second year of university, I had the opportunity to participate in the Group Exhibition Project 2023 (GEP23), a year-long curatorial module aimed at showcasing the University of York’s Art Collection. This collaborative project involved students and professors working together to create an exhibition in the Art History department’s reception area. My role as part of the digital team focused on building a dedicated website for the exhibition, titled Eye of the Beholder.
The exhibition explored the theme of narrative, examining how individuals’ diverse perspectives and life experiences shape their interpretations of art. The project offered hands-on experience in curating, from engaging with the university’s art collection to developing a shared curatorial vision and navigating group challenges.
My primary contribution was in the construction and design of the exhibition website. This involved translating the exhibition’s theme into an engaging digital experience. I took inspiration from previous exhibition websites and incorporated a user-friendly design with a clear layout, minimal clutter, and an aesthetically pleasing colour scheme that complemented the artworks. I experimented with various designs, ultimately choosing neutral tones that balanced the vibrant and muted pieces in the collection.
Working with WordPress presented several technical challenges, such as limited customization options and inflexible design elements, but I adapted by focusing on simplicity and user experience. I integrated features like a Google map for easy navigation and a 360° panoramic view of the exhibition to enhance accessibility, making the exhibition more inclusive for those who couldn’t attend in person.
Throughout the project, I also faced challenges related to team communication and role delegation. Misinformation and delays often slowed progress, especially in finalising the artwork selection and coordinating tasks. I learned the importance of clear communication, setting deadlines, and ensuring that all team members fulfil their responsibilities to avoid confusion and fragmentation.
I developed valuable skills from this project, such as website design, particularly in balancing aesthetics with user experience while navigating technical challenges on platforms like WordPress. I also honed my problem-solving abilities, learning to adapt when faced with limitations and unexpected issues. Additionally, the experience emphasised the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and leadership in a collaborative environment, helping me understand how to effectively manage group dynamics and delegate tasks to ensure smooth project completion. These skills will be essential in future curatorial and digital projects.
