Usually, people called curators develop an exhibition’s theme, select the art, and figure out how to shape the story. But recently, student-curated exhibits have popped up at museums across the country. Do you think having kids curate shows is a gimmick?
Turning the process over to kids allows institutions to engage young members of their community. For instance, Colorado’s Clyfford Still Museum worked with 100 children, ages 3 to 14, from the Colville Confederated Tribes in Washington State to choose art for an exhibit, shown above. Each of the young co-curators chose a single artwork they felt a personal connection with to display. The museum directors say this gave the exhibit a heightened level of sincerity.
Last year, California’s Orange County Museum of Art unveiled a new exhibit created by teens. Titled Piece of Me, it explored young people’s experiences with social media. High school students came up with the theme, selected the artworks, and oversaw their installation. “I feel like this is bringing an insight into the teenager’s mind, something you might not have necessarily seen before,” explained 17-year-old co-curator Helen Han.
Curators say young people offer a fresh perspective. And the students have plenty of guidance. Experts walk them through the process, from choosing the art, to picking colors for the walls, to creating audio guides. Students explore the museums’ collections and learn from museum staff about how to craft an exhibit that tells a meaningful story.