Thematic focus
The major change that was implemented in 2006 and is maintained, consists of a thematic focus on the polarity between ‘free-lance ’ and ‘institutional’ curating and an examination of the notion ‘context-responsive’ curating. In 2007/2008 specific attention is paid to an exploration of the role art plays within processes of urban renewal and urban generation. This focus culminates in a ‘site-specific’ curatorial assignment: the participants of the course are invited to investigate a specific ‘area’ (in 2006/2007 this was the Amsterdam suburb de Bijlmermeer; in 2007/2008 Leidsche Rijn and in 2008/2009 Amsterdam Noord) and realise a project – as a group or as individuals – that relates to this site in a direct and literal or indirect and metaphorical way.
Through inviting the participants to work ‘off-site’ de Appel challenges the aspiring curators to work within an extra-institutional context, to react upon a specific socio-economical and cultural environment, to mediate its own audience and to reflect upon the current status and problematics of art in (sub)urban public space. Throughout the process the relationship with the ‘mother institution’ - which is equally operating extra muros - is maintained while at the same time being interrogated. (more)
de Appel arts centre