News / 08 May 2024
Alumna secures place in the British Art Network's Emerging Curators Group 2024
Postgraduate
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Audrey Barker's archive at NDACA, the National Disability Arts Collection & Archive. Photos by Gill Crawshaw
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From Audrey Barker's archive at NDACA, the National Disability Arts Collection & Archive. Photos by Gill Crawshaw
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From Audrey Barker's archive at NDACA, the National Disability Arts Collection & Archive. Photos by Gill Crawshaw
The British Art Network’s Emerging Curators Group (ECG) is a supportive forum for peers to come together and share thinking and experiences around curating British art. Each year 15 curators are selected for this prestigious programme. One of our MA Curation Practices alumni, Gill Crawshaw, has secured a place in the 2024 cohort.
"I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s ECG, a fantastic opportunity to reflect and take stock, and to carry out research relating to my disability rights-focused practice. Importantly, it’s a chance to learn from a diverse group of curators. We are finding plenty of common ground in our interests and approaches, such as socially-engaged practice and thinking about how galleries can be used differently. I’m looking forward to further meetings and discussions with this brilliant group."
Gill Crawshaw, MA Curation Practices graduate
As well as connecting the ECG with expertise in the field of British art through a range of events and resources, the British Art Network provides bursary funding. This supports curators’ development and self-directed research relevant to their practice and interests.
Gill has begun researching the work of Audrey Barker (1932-2002), aiming to get wider recognition for this pioneering disabled artist. Much of Barker’s archive is held by NDACA, the National Disability Arts Collection and Archive, at Buckinghamshire New University. The bursary has enabled Gill to visit the archive to get a deeper understanding of Barker’s work.
As well as creating a series of multi-sensory, participatory installations which drew huge audiences in the 1980s and 90s, Barker established an inclusive arts centre in her home county of Cumbria. When this closed she started developing plans for a more ambitious venue. Her vision drew support from funders and arts organisations, although ultimately it wasn’t realised.
"Audrey Barker was a trailblazer who supported other disabled artists. She was a powerful advocate for inclusion and accessibility through her art and her wider work. Thanks to the British Art Network, I hope to be able to spread the word about this remarkable artist."
Gill Crawshaw, MA Curation Practices graduate