View a current exhibition; research aspects of the preparation and presentation of the exhibition with reference to: The classification of gallery/exhibition space, for example, public or commercial gallery, alternative art space or online exhibition. Bendigo Art Gallery is a public art space, owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo (local government) and retaining an independent Board of Management who oversees investment of funds for acquisition. This is an exhibition of original artworks by the author, illustrator and artist, Shaun Tan in one of the Gallery’s smaller spaces. The exhibition has been co-curated by a Bendigo Art Gallery curator and two lecturers from LaTrobe University, Bendigo exclusively for Bendigo Writers Festival. What audiences do you think this exhibition caters for? How does this relate to the goals of a public gallery?

The main characteristics of the exhibition space The exhibition is displayed in one of the Gallery’s temporary exhibition spaces. The works are both singly and double hung and the walls are painted off-white to create a clean, contemporary space for display. There is no introductory text panel, however, an interview between the artist and one of the LaTrobe University lecturers is spread throughout the exhibition as a device to introduce each new section of work and give further insight into the artists practice. On most individual artwork labels, there is a small quote from the artist giving further explanation and insight. How does the colour of off-white work with the contemporary theme of the exhibition? What is another name for a simple white exhibition space in an art gallery?

The approach for displaying artworks Shaun Tan: the real and the imaginary is a survey exhibition of the artists work from childhood to now. The works include childhood drawings, early horror and science fiction illustration, commissioned book covers, landscape paintings and original artworks from his well-known picture books. The subject matter is diverse with works spanning 35 years of the artist’s life. Most works are on paper and have been framed for hanging. Although each work varies in size, the same colour frame has been used to ensure consistency. The framed works alongside unframed works on board and canvas are hung both singly and doubly along a consistent eyeline (around 1500mm). They are grouped by subject matter or

STUDIO ARTS UNIT 4 EXHIBITION FOCUS SHAUN TAN: THE REAL AND THE IMAGINARY 2013

distinct period in the artist’s life. Several plinths have been placed throughout the Gallery in order to display several of the artist’s sketchbooks containing preparatory sketches as well as new sculptural work being made by the artist. There is also a TV playing Shaun Tan’s Academy Award winning animated film, The Lost Thing and copies of his books on a small wooden shelf for the audience to read. The layout has been determined by the Curators in consultation with the Director. In many cases layout is determined purely aesthetically – determining which works can sit side-by-side harmoniously without impacting on each other too heavily. Lighting is consistent throughout without highlighting particular works. Why is the lighting consistent across all artworks? Why not use strategic lighting to highlight particular works? Select specific combinations of artworks and discuss why you think they work harmoniously together.

What other display techniques have been used to guide you through the exhibition? Is there a large amount of floor space? Why/ why not?

What was the intention of the curator and/or artist in displaying the artworks? The intention of the curators in consultation with the artist was to curate an accessible exhibition that would appeal to all ages. Because of how many works are in the exhibition, it is very visually full. Extra decals and wall colours were discussed, however, we felt it best to pair back additional visual elements and leave the walls white so the space did not look cluttered and the works were able to speak for themselves. As a survey exhibition, there are works included from right across the artist career. The artworks were divided into categories and hung accordingly, creating somewhat of a biography about the artist. The intention was to also ensure the artist’s voice was in the mix. Extended text on the labels as well as the inclusion of the question and answer sections assist to further explain the work and the artist’s intentions, inspirations and processes. The artist was keen for the exhibition to inspire budding artists and illustrators and the curators were keen to offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artist’s practice to make the show a little less formal; rough sketches, sketchbooks and colour trials assist to make this intention a reality.

Shaun Tan: the real and the imaginary (installation view), 2013. Bendigo Art Gallery

Dummy sketch for The Arrival: night of the giants (part one and part two), 2003, pencil and pen on paper. Courtesy of the artist

The role of the curator, graphic designer The Curator administers all aspects of the exhibition (in this case there were three curators, so each one took responsibility for a different aspect of the exhibition). Approximately six to eight months before the exhibition opens, the Curator selects the images to display in consultation with the artist. A small number of images are identified as being suitable to use to market the exhibition. The Graphic Designer creates the “look” of the marketing material surrounding the exhibition (e.g. advertisements, invitation, signage). The Graphic Designer works within the Gallery’s existing template for advertising and marketing material, changing design elements to suit different publications. The Curator writes extended articles on the exhibition and the artist’s approach to their practice. This material can be used in newspapers, journals, interviews etc to give the public an idea of the content of the exhibition. The Curator develops public programs around the exhibition, such as guest lectures or artists’ talks. The Curator liaises with the Collections Manager and Technicians regarding all transport and installation aspects of the exhibition. The installation of the exhibition is coordinated by the Collections Manager in consultation with the Curator and the final layout is decided by the Curator with final approval from the Director. The Curator coordinates the opening event with technical, reception and café staff. List the skills required by a Curator to be able to perform the duties mentioned:

How the exhibition space deals with conservation issues Handling: Works in the exhibition that are not framed and protected behind a layer of Perspex, are handled with nitrile gloves. Several of the works on paper that have raised painted surfaces, needed to be very carefully handled while being framed. Transportation: Transportation and insurance is covered by the Gallery. The artist packed up all the work at his studio. A professional art handling service collected the work and delivered it to the Gallery. It was unloaded at the Gallery with the assistance of the Gallery’s Technicians. All works were protected during transport with plastic sleeves, bubble wrap and plastic tubs. What lux levels would be appropriate for this exhibition?

How the gallery deals with promotion and marketing The Gallery’s approach to promotion and marketing differs with each exhibition, and in accordance with its budget. In the case of Shaun Tan: the real and the imaginary, the budget covered advertising in several key arts publications, however, most marketing was done via email bulletin, through social media and relying on the Gallery’s general marketing channels such as the quarterly What’s On guide. Advertisements were booked well in advance (four to six months before the exhibition). Because the exhibition has been curated for Bendigo Writers Festival, the exhibition was also promoted through the Writers Festival program, website and social media channels.

The Curator developed the media release for the launch of the exhibition, and wrote an article on it for the local newspaper. Some exhibitions also involve a Publicist, which can greatly enhance the promotional coverage of the exhibition. However Shaun Tan: the real and the imaginary did not include a budget for a Publicist. Hero Image The Hero image is usually one with a strong shape and focal point that can be reproduced large or small. It should sum up what the artist/ exhibition is about. In this image, it shows Tan’s focus on strange and imaginary imagery set in an ordinary suburban context. Emailable advertisement

The emailable advertisement uses the Hero image so that the public start to remember and recognise the image.

The visitor (from Tales from Outer Suburbia published by Allen & Unwin), 2007, oil and acrylic on paper.

Courtesy of the artist

Sponsorship As this is not a travelling exhibition, sponsorship was not needed for freelance staff, freight or indemnification. Support sponsorship was given by Bart ‘n’ print for catalogue printing. The exhibition was curated in partnership with the Bendigo Writers Festival and La Trobe University. La Trobe University staff provided assistance with staff such as workshops and an interview with the artist. Dymocks, Bendigo was the official bookshop for the Bendigo Writers Festival and donated the gallery a selection of Shaun Tan books which went on display for patrons to enjoy. Madman, the Film Distributor for The Lost Thing gave support sponsorship in enabling the gallery to show the film without having to pay for a licence. As part of the agreement, the gallery is selling the film in the shop.

Prepared by Clare Needham, Curator, City History and Collections, and Helen Attrill, Education Officer, Bendigo Art Gallery

Press/ Media Releases In large public galleries a full time publicity officer would be employed. At Bendigo Art Gallery, a regional public gallery, some of the publicity is outsourced to a freelance publicist. All curators also take on publicity as part of their role and must be able to write press releases and liaise with the media. Sometimes a graphic designer is paid to design an advertisement.