New
New
Artists as curators
I can understand that artists can take on the role of curator.
Lesson 2 of 8
New
New
- Year 11
Artists as curators
I can understand that artists can take on the role of curator.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists may curate exhibitions to maintain control over work and engage audiences in new ways.
- Self-curation can challenge traditional power structures in the art world.
- In some cases, curation itself becomes part of the artwork.
Keywords
Audience experience - what people see, feel, think and do when they visit an exhibition or artwork
Space - often used in the context of gallery spaces, public spaces and domestic spaces
Common misconception
Only professional curators decide what is exhibited.
Throughout history and globally, artists have curated their own work. Sometimes artists self-curate but sometimes this process can be in collaboration with professional curators.
Use the real-world case studies to inspire ideas for pupils’ own exhibition concepts. Please check the background and content of each artist’s work before sharing with pupils to ensure it’s appropriate for your group.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Pen, pencil, paper, computer access or gather research materials on a variety of artists to support students research if needed.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Curators are generally responsible for ...
Curators are generally responsible for ...
making all the artworks or objects in an exhibition.
commissioning the artworks or objects in an exhibition.
buying the artworks or objects in an exhibition.
Q2.When you visit an exhibition at a gallery, the layout has likely been decided by ...
When you visit an exhibition at a gallery, the layout has likely been decided by ...
all the artists in the show.
every single member of staff at the gallery.
Q3.Curating and displaying art and objects ...
Curating and displaying art and objects ...
only happens in big expensive spaces.
only happens in big museums and galleries..
Q4.True or false: Curators must choose which pieces best represent the theme or concept.
True or false: Curators must choose which pieces best represent the theme or concept.
False
Q5.It is important for an exhibition to have ...
It is important for an exhibition to have ...
a painting, drawing, sculpture, or print.
a poster, social media post, advert, or flyer.
a famous artist, theme, story, or message.
Q6.Match the definitions with the words.
Match the definitions with the words.
