A punk memoir by Steven Taylor, one of the instructors in Wesleyan University's Institute for Curatorial Practice in Performance. The institute is now accepting applications for its 2012-13 program.
A couple of years ago, Wesleyan University, ever-aware of the difficulties inherent in supporting and promoting progressive artforms, started its Institute for Curatorial Practice in Performance. This professional-certificate program is described in a press release as an “intensive, nine-month, low-residency academic program designed to encourage emerging curators to enrich their understanding of intellectually rigorous, innovative and artist-centered curatorial models.”
Exactly the sort of buzz-phrases and lingo one needs in order to convince patrons and foundations that such art is a worthwhile investment.
Here’s more: “The Certificate Program considers performance in its broadest sense and the curriculum addresses time-based art practices of artists, curators and cultural leaders working in dance, performance art, experimental theater and traditional/culturally specific programs and various combinations of these and other disciplines.”
Good for them. This is apparently the only academic program of its kind in the U.S. Applications are now being accepted, through Feb. 1, 2012, for the nine-month 2012-13 ICPP. The format has students working on their own (at home and online), then gathering for “on-campus intensives” for a fortnight in July and weekends in November and March.
The range of teachers in the ICPP ensures a lively debate and hands-on training. Wesleyan-based instructors include Associate Professors of Dance Katja Kolcio and Nicole Stanton; and Associate Professor of Theater Cláudia Tatinge Nacimento and ICPP Director Samuel A. Miller. “Field professionals” inlcude Walker Arts Center’s Senior Curator Philip Bither, MOMA’s Associate Curator of Painting and Sculpture Doryun Chong, UCLA Live’s Executive Director/Artistic Director Kristy Edmunds, Danspace Project’s Exec. Director Judy Hussie-Taylor and punk-guitarist/ethnomusicologist/poet Steven Taylor.
For details on how to apply, contact the institute at (860) 685-3283 or www.wesleyanb.edu/icpp