Exhibition Investigations module (DJ31051)

You will be introduced to exhibition-making as a form of inquiry and communication.

You will join an interdisciplinary groups. As part of your group, you will work to develop a proposal for an exhibition. This will be in response to live briefs from Dundee-based creative industries partners. These proposals will look at areas like curatorial concept, exhibition design and example exhibition materials. They will also consider aspects of audience experience and environmental sustainability.

You will attend a series of lectures and workshops. These will introduce you to topics such as:

• histories and approaches of curating and exhibition-making (in the context of design)
• exhibition design
• narratives and visual identities
• audience experience and engagement

As groups, you will engage in various methods of research and development. You will also take part in field trips to partners within Dundee. This will allow you to develop connections and experience working with partners within the creative industries.

Throughout the module, you will enhance your professional practice. You will do this through skills such as:

• research
• critical thinking
• problem solving
• project management
• multi-modal communication

You will also have the opportunity to reflect on the value of exhibition as a form of investigation. You will think of your own creative studio practice in the context of audience engagement.

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• learn how exhibition can be used as a form of inquiry and communication
• develop professional skills and attitude, through working closely with industry
• expand your knowledge of relevant social and historical contexts. This will be in relation to your core project focus

By the end of this module you will be able to :

• work within a group to scope, plan, develop and communicate an exhibition proposal to industry partners. You will be able to do so using multiple modes such as talking, writing, visualising or prototyping
• fully document and reflect on your own creative process and contribution to the project
• show your ability to experiment and take creative risks, both conceptually and practically

Assignments / assessment

• A group project presentation to industry partners, staff and students (40%)
  • This will include any visual, digital or physical materials
• An individual portfolio of research and development (40%)
  • This will include:
  • curatorial concepts
  • sketches
  • object images
  • exhibition or graphic design plans
  • secondary research sources or notes
  • developmental writing
• A peer-assessment form and 800-1,000-word piece of self-reflective writing (20%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• Lectures and workshops
  • These will be on specific topics such as curating, exhibition design, writing, or graphic design
• Field trips
  • These will take place in the first few weeks of the module, to industry partner work places or offices. This will allow you, in your group, to develop industry partnerships, access exhibition materials and content. You will also be able to conduct interviews as appropriate
• Tutorials
  • Regular tutorials will be held throughout the semester. These will support you in progressing with your project