The second BAN Curatorial Forum took place in October 2023 and included a programme based within the UK. It brought together a select group of 12 people from a range of backgrounds and working contexts, and from all stages of their careers, based outside the UK but working with British art, artists or heritage.
The Forum explored the histories, present experiences and futures of curating, while participants were able to make new professional connections, and enjoy access to exceptional collections and resources with behind-the scenes tours and introductions to established curators and art-world leaders.
The programme centred around these critical questions:
“Who gets to be a curator?”
“What does curating mean now?”
“Is “British art?’ relevant as a category?”
Based in London and Manchester, the programme included gallery visits, workshop sessions and field trips, as well as time to socialise, reflect and research. With the re-installation and relaunch of several major organisations in 2023, including Tate Britain, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, this was a timely moment to explore British art curating in the UK.
