Castlefield Gallery and the Curatorial Project: uncovering process and the impact of contemporary art practices in the city

The project investigates curatorial process with the partner organisation Castlefield Gallery, the research question is to consider how the exhibition history of a 'small to medium' sized visual art gallery can be 'mined' to reveal less visible histories of artist development and deferred value? The research will feed a series of outcomes where curatorial process is brought to the surface and integrated into the exhibition and event programme. By making curatorial process visible the contribution to knowledge would provide insights not only into the working practices of the gallery but into the wider impact contemporary art practices and production have on a city and a region. It would also work as a model that would inform cultural organisations and stakeholders in other cities, and have impact on funding policy (in a sector with one of the fastest growing economies in the UK). The research will contribute to a publication produced by Castlefield Gallery in 2024 when it celebrates 40 years in the city.