Course coordinator
Associate Professor Amelia Barikin
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Curating is one of the major vocational outcomes for the study of Art History. This course introduces students to both the theoretical principles and practical approaches to art curatorship in the twenty-first century. It provides an overview of histories and contemporary debates in the field of exhibition-making, both in Australia and internationally. Guest lectures, practical workshops, seminars and field visits develop knowledge and skills, from thinking and writing critically about exhibitions, to writing exhibition proposals. Practical aspects to the course take students through key processes in exhibition development from inception to display, including: researching artworks for exhibition and acquisition, devising curatorial concepts, creating exhibition rationales and floor plans and writing exhibition texts.
Note: Restricted enrolment course - First preference given to Third Year Art History students who meet the pre-requisites and then ranked by academic results in ARTT courses.
ARTT3117ﾠ Visual Arts Curating & Writing is a largely practice-led course where students learn about the vocation of arts curating and writing for exhibitions.ﾠ Practical tasks, site visits, workshops and seminar discussions ﾠare interwoven with theoretical explorations of current discourses and debates in the field of curating. Several weeks of the course are spentﾠin the UQ Art Museum and at off-campus gallery venues. Arts industry professionals provide several guest lectures. Students also have the opportunity to attend extra-curricularﾠtalks by artists and curators at the UQ Art Museum.
Focus areas include:ﾠ
- Origins and histories of curating
- Contemporary curatorial discourses, debates ﾠand practices
- Indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives in curating
- Curating ﾠand working with art collections
- Acquisition rationales
- Critical interrogations of exhibitions
- Applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations
- Researching and devising exhibition rationales
- Writing for exhibitions
- Exhibition design and installation
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that all students will have at least 4 units of Advanced Art History courses before enrolling in this course or be Masters of Museum Studies students with the capacity to follow theoretical and practical elements of the course, especially those related to visual art.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
4 units of Level 2 or 3 Art History courses
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ARTT1106, 6 units of Level 2 or 3 Art History courses
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MUSM2000
Restrictions
Maximum enrolment quota of 20 students.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Amelia Barikin
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
Students completing this course will develop skills in:
Understanding what the concept and vocation of curatingﾠentails and how it is an application of art history studies
Thinking about, and responding critically to,ﾠa variety of cultural, social, philosophical and politicalﾠperspectives in curatingﾠ
Critically responding to exhibitions in oral and written forms
Conceptualising, researching and producing exhibition proposals and written exhibition materials
Understandingﾠthe principles of working with art collections and theﾠcollecting practices of artﾠinstitutionsﾠ
Writing industry-standard acquisition rationales
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Acquisition rationale
|
25% 700 words |
29/08/2025 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Exhibition review
|
30% 800 words |
25/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique |
Exhibition proposal
|
45% 1500 words |
24/10/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Acquisition rationale
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25% 700 words
- Due date
29/08/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Select ONE art work from the suite of works provided on Blackboard and write a 700 word acquisition rationale explaining why this work should be purchased for the University of Queensland Art Collection.
Marking criteria:
- Demonstrated ability to locate pertinent biographical details in order to make a summary statement about the artist’s significance;
- Incorporation of visual analysis of an artwork, with specific emphasis on its relationship to the artist’s broader practice;
- Demonstrated ability to locate the artwork in the context of the UQ Art Collection;
- Ability to write in a format suited to an acquisition rationale, using clear and fluent written expression suitable for an educated readership.
Format: Your acquisition rationale must have three components (a) overview of the artist’s biography, (b) a rationale explaining the significance of the artwork proposed for acquisition, and (c) a strong case for why the artwork fits within the broader context of the UQ Art Collection. The order of the components can be tailored as required.
The word length is 700 words. Writing to a specific word length is a highly desirable skill in the workplace and students should pay particular attention to organising their material to accommodate this requirement. Footnotes are not included included in word length. There is no requirement for a separate bibliography.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Please submit through TurnItIn as a Word or PDF doc only.
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Exhibition review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 800 words
- Due date
25/09/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Write an 800 word critical review of a current or recent exhibition of visual art held at one of the following galleries: Milani Gallery, Ryan Renshaw gallery, UQ Art Museum, Griffith University Art Museum, Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art, HOTA Surfer's Paradise, QUT Art Gallery. If you find an exhibition that is NOT at one of these galleries that you wish to write about, please check with the Course Coordinator first.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit through TurnItIn on Blackboard
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Exhibition proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 45% 1500 words
- Due date
24/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Submit a proposal for a UQ Art Museum collection-based exhibition that would be suitable for display in ONE of the gallery spaces at the UQ Art Museum, on the top level (Level 3). Your proposal should incude: (i) a 1000 word exhibition rationale describing the exhibition concept and objectives (ii) a list of works with full media including images (iii) a mock up floor plan indicating potential layout in the space (iii) artist bios for all participating artists and (iv) bullet points 3-4 ideas for possible public engagement programs that might accompany the exhibition. All works must be sourced from the UQ Art Museum collection only. Artists' bios and floor plan are not included in the word count.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard as Word doc of PDF only
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.ﾠ
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply. ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
UQ Art Museum - search the collection:ﾠhttp://www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au/collection/search.php?request=search
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to theﾠUQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful ﾠCommunicate and collaborate online module.ﾠ
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.ﾠ
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.ﾠﾠ
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.ﾠ
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).ﾠ
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.ﾠﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 1: Introduction to the course What is a curator? What is an exhibition? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Fieldwork |
Week 2: Behind the Scenes UQ Art Museum Attend a behind the scenes tour of the UQ Art Museum with museum staff, and hear from emerging curators about their experiences of working at the gallery. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 3: Writing Workshop: Exhibition Review and Acquisition Rationale Writing for curators: this week focuses on skills needed to write an exhibition review and an acquisition rationale. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Fieldwork |
Week 4: Site visit Institute of Modern Art Site visit to IMA in Fortitude Valley to view the exhibitions and explore the history of the institution. Meet at the Institute of Modern Art foyer. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Fieldwork |
Week 5: Site visit: UQ Art Museum Exhibitions Site visit to UQ Art Museum exhibitions and curatorial walkthrough Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 6: Indigenous Perspectives in Curating Seminar discussion on Indigenous curatorial practice with guest lecturer Aunty Sana Balai Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Writing Workshop: Developing an Exhibition Proposal Learn how to develop an exhibition proposal based on the UQ Art Museum collection, in preparation for your final assessment. Please bring a laptop to the class to participate in the workshop. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Fieldwork |
Week 8: Site visit: Queensland Art Gallery Site visit to Queensland Art Gallery to learn about curating for state institutions and collection-based museums. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Fieldwork |
Week 9: Site Visit: Griffith University Art Museum Site visit to GUAM for an investigation of current exhibitions, with curatorial walkthrough Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break-No Classes |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Seminar |
Week 10: Exhibition Texts and Audiences Introduction to the diverse range of texts produced around exhibitions, including didactics and curatorial statements. Seminar also includes final discussion of Exhibition Proposal assessment with opportunity for questions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 11: No Classes |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 12: No Classes |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 13: No Classes |
Additional learning activity information
This course is run as a series of advanced, industry-facing seminars and fieldwork excursions across ten weeks. Attendance is critical for the successful completion of coursework.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however, please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.