Cultural Curation Training

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Step 1: Visit our donation page to explore the different options for donating to the longevity of this project.

Step 2: Fill out the form below so that we can gain a better understand who you are as a participant and what we can do to support you in this training.

The Training Explained

Weaved throughout this training are the insights shared through 10 discussions with Indigenous artists- including multiple generations, multiple disciplines, and Two-Spirit artist perspectives. Some of the art practices represented in this training are: music, drawing, installation work, tattoo work, beadwork, writing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, fashion designing, dancing, modelling, textiles, sculpture, curation, and more. Through having all of these voices represented in this training, we can attempt to restructure, re-imagine, and rebuild the way we curate art spaces. 

This training is entirely virtual and self paced. There are two parts to this training- the first focusing on introspection and the second on direct actions and strategies. Once participants register, they have access to the first part of the training, "The Roots". This section has a series of virtual lessons that showcase some of the experiences from the 10 artists. Each lesson follows additional resource materials, and a 'homework' activity that either focuses on learning integration or reflection. Once the first part is completed, each participant is asked to do a midpoint activity (not graded) that gives participants a chance to reflect on their learning so far. Once they finish and send their activity, they have access to the second part of the training. This part, 'The Branches', follows the same structure of the first section and ends with a final activity.

The Cultural Curation Project gathers Indigenous voices from around Canada to bring forward a culturally-centered and impact focused approach to curation. This project acts as the backbone to service the voices of Indigenous artists in order to develop recommendations, best practices, and action steps for curatorial practices. In working with 10 other Indigenous artists, this training creates a new approach to curations that focuses on redefining curatorial roles, identifying oppression in the space, storytelling, ceremony, gender affirming art spaces, and much more.

Click the button below to access the information booklet, which includes all details about the training structure, time commitment, and much more:

PROJECT FOCUS POINTS

  • The separation of Indigenous and modern art has caused Indigenous art to be excluded from common art spaces. So, this project will document the steps needed for curation to be decolonized within all artistic spaces. By doing this, we are building an opportunity for decolonization to be easily accessible for anyone in the arts to step further towards reconciliation.

  • This project also acts towards social justice in the art sector as it creates opportunities for collaboration and integration of Indigenous voices from around the globe. Oppression of artistic and cultural practices is not specific to just Canada. Many cultures around the globe have had their practices stolen. As Canada is a very new country, we can also learn many skills of resistance from other Indigenous cultures around the world.

    While Indigenous programming is a first step, the integration of global Indigenous voices is essential to provide cross-cultural allyship and exchange of ideas that can further progress all Indigenous peoples. I believe that this divide of Canadian Indigenous and global Indigenous spaces is not only a missed opportunity, but causes further harm by creating a sense of isolation of the Indigenous struggle.

  • By addressing issues in current curatorial practices and exclusion of Indigenous ways of knowing, this project will create opportunities for new collaborations among artists and organizing bodies. Through this, new networks and collaborations can be formed in a culturally safe, trauma- informed, and impact focused way.