What is public?
Reflection at the least, resolution at the best, critique is fundamental for the arts in order to both face challenges and develop improved outcomes. Constantly being driven by the realities of managing multiple projects that require completion on time and budget does not always allow much space for criticality. Habitually challenging and deconstructing tidy paradigms is a daunting exercise for many, particularly administrators new to the processes. Incorporating critique often means circumventing the path of least resistance. However, this defiance can also mean sounding a robust reception for artworks and further supporting audience development.
The presentation intends to engage in critical debate and unpack key questions, often ignored, such as: Who drives the project – commissioner, curator or facilitator, public / niche community and what are the impacts upon the quality of work? Is there an opportunity for the expression of counter publics? Does the proposed project present a parochial perspective rather than incorporating multi-cultural viewpoints? Is there a pitch or a sound contemporary argument? Importantly, by incorporating critical practice and regularly asking such questions it allows us to think more broadly about what constitutes public art and community development projects.
Louise Rollman is an independent curator and consultant. She has experience in arts programming, strategic planning and management in both the private and public sectors. Previous positions have included National Curator and Project Manager for Brecknock Consulting (2001–03); and in 1999 she established Satellite Space, an Artist/Curator-run project space that specialised in facilitating emerging forms. Selected curatorial projects include 'Unit-197' (2001–02) and 'polemic' (2000). In 2006 she was a recipient of the Lord Mayor's Young and Emerging Artists’ Fellowship and in 2006/7 was the first Australian Curator-in-residence at the International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) in New York.