Duration
Duration Apr. 01 - Apr. 29, 2026
Publishing is an essential part of curatorial practice, whether for archiving, expanding on ideas, or sharing a project beyond exhibition walls. In this course, you will learn how to develop and publish catalogues, artist books, and other forms of printed matter.
We will approach publishing not just as a means to document exhibitions, but as a curatorial practice in its own right. Through case studies, practical exercises, and group discussions, we will explore how books and printed matter can carry curatorial ideas through structure, images, text and design choices, and how each of these elements contributes to meaning and audience engagement. Designed for curators, artists, editors, and cultural workers, the course guides you through the process of conceptualising a publication.
Over five weeks, you will learn how to:
Transform a curatorial idea into a publication concept with a clear position and purpose
Identify an audience and develop the tone, format and content accordingly
Choose a publication format that supports your vision
Edit and sequence images and texts to design a compelling reader experience
Collaborate effectively with writers and designers
By the end of the course, you will have developed a publication proposal outlining your concept, audience, format and content structure.
No formal prior knowledge is required, though basic familiarity with exhibitions, art books or cultural publishing is helpful.
Image: Bank Phrom
Week 1: Introduction
In this first one-hour session, the lecturer will introduce the programme and all participants will introduce themselves.
Topics covered:
• What does it mean to think of a book as an exhibition?
• Overview of the course and its goals
Week 2: From Curatorial Idea to Publication Concept
This second session focuses on how to translate a curatorial idea or research interest into a publication concept with a clear position, audience, and purpose.
Topics covered:
• Publishing as exhibition-making
• Defining a curatorial approach
• Identifying audiences and publics
• How the audiences shape tone, format, and content
• Initial thinking around publication format
Week 3: Formats, Structures and Editorial Logic
In the third session, you will be equipped with tools to choose appropriate publication formats and develop a coherent editorial structure that supports your curatorial argument.
Topics covered:
• Publication typologies: catalogues, monographs, anthologies, artist’s books
• When and why to use different formats
• Structuring content: sections, essays, conversations, image plates
• Editorial logic and narrative flow
• Briefing and commissioning authors
Week 4: Image Editing, Sequencing and Text–Image Relationships
This fourth session approaches image editing and sequencing as core curatorial acts. You will learn how visual and textual elements interact to produce meaning.
Topics covered:
• Building and editing an image list
• Selection and exclusion criteria
• Image sequencing and visual storytelling
• Captions, credits and text–image relationships
• Preparing material for collaboration with designers
Week 5: Publication Proposal – Sharing, Discussion and Feedback
In this workshop-style session, you will share your publication ideas and receive collective feedback, gaining insight into different curatorial approaches to publishing.
Topics covered:
• Presentation of publication proposals
• Open discussion and constructive feedback
Language
Classes are held in English.
Format & Modality
The course is fully online and taught live via Zoom in small, interactive groups to support active learning. Live captioning is available during the sessions.
Schedule
Live sessions take place every Thursday from 3pm to 5pm (Berlin time, CET).
Attendance
Live attendance is encouraged to get the most out of the course, but recordings are available if you cannot attend a session.
Course Materials
All course materials—including recordings, readings, and presentations—are available on the Node platform for as long as you wish.
Assignments
Optional assignments are included, with personal feedback from the lecturers to help you apply what you learn. Please note that feedback is provided only during the course dates.
Certificate
A downloadable certificate is available upon course completion.
Technical Requirements
A stable internet connection, a computer with a camera and microphone, and access to Zoom are required.
Questions?
Check our FAQ or contact us via our online form.