Access to curatorial support is challenging for many artists, particularly those located in more geographically isolated areas of the UK. A new initiative set up by Visual Arts South West (VASW) and The Burton at Bideford in North Devon aims to strengthen networks between artists and curators based in the South West region.
Curator Bank offers artists the opportunity to have one-to-one developmental meetings with curators working in arts organisations to talk through their work and ideas. Twenty-one organisations have signed up as partners on the project, donating a minimum of two days per year of their curator’s time.
Partners come from across the South West region and represent a wide range of organisations including Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange in Cornwall, Super Culture in North Somerset, Arnolfini in Bristol, and b-side on the Isle of Portland.
The participating curators bring extensive experience working with exhibitions, engagement, education, public art, museums and young people. Artists will be able to identify a key focus for their session in order to be matched with curators who have relevant areas of interest and experience.
An open call for artists based in the South West to apply will run until 30 June 2025 and can be accessed here.
VASW has identified a lack of opportunities for mid-career artists in the South West and at a least 50% of spaces will be reserved for those who identify in this category. Allocations will then be made using random selection software.
VASW’s Regional Director Hannah Rose and Associate Director Lucy Badrocke say:
“One of VASW’s core aims is to connect and profile our community, and we’re excited to launch this new initiative with The Burton at Bideford. Curator Bank will pool time, resources, knowledge and goodwill to address the need for support and opportunities for artists in the region. This sort of mentoring is critical for creative development, extending collaborative networks and opening doors for conversations that might not happen otherwise.”
Harriet Cooper, Director of The Burton at Bideford, says:
“The Burton at Bideford is committed to supporting artist development and we are delighted to be collaborating with VASW to launch the Curator Bank. The South West is home to one of the largest concentrations of visual artists outside of London but spread across a vast geography. We know how challenging it can be for artists to access mentoring and support from organisations and hope that the Curator Bank will help to build vital new networks across the region.”
The pilot edition of Curator Bank sessions will run in Autumn 2025, followed by two further rounds in 2026.
Partner organisations for 2025 are Arnolfini, Art Centre Penryn, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, b-side, Exeter Phoenix, Ginkgo Projects, Harbour House, John Hansard Gallery, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, Plymouth Culture, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Royal West of England Academy, Spike Island, Studio KIND, Super Culture, Tate St Ives, The Burton at Bideford, The Holburne, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, The Sherborne and Watershed.
Guest curator for 2025 is Gilly Fox, curator at Hayward Touring, board member of the Stuart Croft Foundation and chair of Film and Video Umbrella (FVU).
Curator Bank is initiated by VASW and The Burton at Bideford, building on an idea by Gilly Fox. The initiative is managed by VASW with in-kind support from partner organisations.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
IMAGE CREDITS: Curator Bank Logo courtesy of VASW
For further information, images and interviews please contact Kate Williamson, Marketing Officer, The Burton at Bideford.
01237 471 455
katew@theburton.org or info@theburton.org
VASW
Visual Art South West (VASW) is a sector support organisation. They advocate for people in the visual arts to enable the sector in South West England to thrive: connecting artistic communities, raising visibility, campaigning for diversity, and developing resilience. VASW is committed to increased recognition of the value of the visual arts; the development of a sustainable, supportive, resilient, and inter-connected sector; and to tackling structural and systemic issues in the sector. They are based at Spike Island in Bristol, as part of their National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England. It is an independent organisation connected to the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN).
THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD
The Burton at Bideford is a National Portfolio Organisation and one of the leading cultural venues within the South West, attracting over 160,000 visitors last year. It is situated in the historic town of Bideford, where agriculture, craft and maritime heritage meet at the water’s edge. With two exhibition spaces, a museum, craft gallery, shop, education space and a café, The Burton attracts a wide range of audiences and provides the opportunity to access and engage with artists, collections and exhibitions on all levels. Placing community at the heart of all its activities, The Burton offers a rich outreach programme for those who don’t have easy access to a traditional arts venue. In September 2024 Harriet Cooper joined as The Burton’s new Director.
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