Research

My study is based around how curation is used to discover what connects diverse artistic voices and how thoughtful exhibition design can strengthen those connections to create cohesive and inclusive experiences, whether in professional art settings or K-12 classrooms.

This study extended from February through May 2025.

Research Questions

How can a curator use a common theme to curate a unified show that accurately captures the diversity of the artistic voices of the participants?

My sub-questions are “What factors are involved in the curation process of an exhibition that includes diverse perspectives for both the artists and the curator(s)?

How can K-12 art educators curate an exhibition that accurately captures the diversity of the artistic voices of the students?

Methodology

To complete my study, I curated an exhibition for the Pratt Institute Art and Design Education seniors since they do not have an exhibition of their personal art practice during their senior year, unlike the other fine art majors and departments. I also curated art shows at Blick Art Materials to explore how curation operates in non-traditional, community-based spaces and to examine how visibility and engagement shift outside academic and professional contexts.

I collected my data by interviewing the artists in the show I curated for the Pratt Institute Art and Design Education seniors, the associates at Blick Art Materials, current art educators within the Department of Education and Pratt Institute, and students curating their BFA Thesis shows to hear their input on curating shows for students or an audience. I also documented the process of curating the exhibition of Pratt Institute Art and Design Education seniors with research, data collection, photos from the opening night, and installation.

Literature Review

Professional Curation & Diversity
- Curation as thematic storytelling for underheard voices
- Audience awareness as key to inclusive design
- “Know your audience before planning” – LinkedIn (2023)
K–12 Settings
- Students engage deeper when curating their own work
- “Curating is different than attending” – Art of Ed
- Embrace process and product – Katie Martin
Student Outcomes
- Builds ownership, reflection, and communication skills
- Helps students make ideas accessible to others
- Encourages collaboration and cultural connections

Findings

Curation fosters identity formation, inclusion, and visibility across learning environments.

Earthbound bridged students’ roles as artists and educators, addressing gaps in institutional recognition.

K–12 environments used exhibitions to elevate student voice and challenge traditional hierarchies.

Informal venues like Blick fostered community, peer support, and new confidence in emerging artists.

Strategic curation can deepen personal narratives and broaden audience engagement.

Files

Final Paper: