Performance art is deeply rooted in unconventional artistic experimentation and political engagement both within the art world and beyond. Since its acceptance as a legitimate artistic practice in the 1960s, performance art continues to evolve today. Due to its unpredictable and ephemeral nature, the public presentation of performance art comes with its own unique set of considerations that are important for curators and artists to address, such as insurance and safety, censorship, contracts and scheduling, among other practical issues.

This course is designed for curators and artists who are interested in developing curatorial projects with performance art. We will go step-by-step through the necessary phases of curating a performance art exhibition, including the artist proposal, legal needs, institutional negotiations, public controversy, documentation, media coverage and more. Further, participants will learn the foundation of the history and theory of performance art, how it fits within the art institutional structures and possibilities for conceptual development. Throughout this four week course, participants will develop a proposal for a performance art project, receiving guidance and critical feedback in the final session.

*Image by Oscar Keys