What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn how to develop an exhibition proposal in a way that considers the development of your studio work in relation to its audience and the audience experience. In doing so you will learn to establish a wider independent appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the external professional contexts that frame and position the activities and production of your work in an exhibition beyond the studio. In doing so you will extend your understanding of the research-led enquiries that professional artists undertake to develop exhibition proposals, including the research methodologies that artists and gallery professionals use to understand and respond to the diverse social and geographic contexts of any exhibition’s production and presentation. You will learn about methodologies, mediums and materials that artists use to present their ideas in the proposal. You will also learn to enhance your understanding of professional contexts within the contemporary artworld in relation to career pathways and professional opportunities. You will develop transferable professional skills in areas presentation, communication, project management, problem solving and the ability to reflect critically on your actions and achievements.
How will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn through lectures that introduce key concepts and methodologies for developing exhibitions with a focus on audience experience, as well as attending the fortnightly lecture programme that will introduce you to the exhibition and broader professional working processes of artists, writers and curators. You will also learn through fieldtrips to at least one gallery in the city-region and through close engagement with the curators and other staff at the gallery. You will learn through seminar discussions that will draw on key issues arising from the lectures and fieldtrips. And then also through presenting a draft proposal to the gallery professionals for formative feedback to inform the final submission. You will also learn through individual and group tutorials.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be academically supported by the module lead and by an individual academic. You will be supported by an electronic reading list, the library, and by additional content posted and made available on the ELP. Where appropriate you may also be directed to engage with our Skills Plus or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support. Guidance tutorials also provide opportunities for students to discuss, in confidence, their academic progress on the programme.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate research and practice skills through a critical appreciation and ongoing practical understanding of a contemporary art gallery.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Evidence the development of employability skills and creative documentary skills to record studio practice and design an exhibition.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Evidence an evolving critical knowledge and appreciation of regional, national & global arts infrastructure and culture through independent research and attendance at Wednesday lecture programme.
How will I be assessed?
Summative Assessment (100%):
You will produce an annotated visual research and spatial design proposal for exhibition with high quality documentary images.
Summative Assessment Feedback:
Individually focused feedback will be provided within 20 working days of the Summative Assessment submission deadline for the module. You will receive written feedback. All feedback will be provided in the context of the module learning outcomes and module assessment criteria.
Formative Assessment Feedback
To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.
MLOs: All MLOs are tested.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
On this module you will develop a proposal for an exhibition. The proposal will present an idea for a gallery exhibition that will develop from your studio practice. The proposal will give focus to the audience experience which means that you will consider how you would like gallery visitors to engage with your work when they visit the exhibition. The proposal development process will simulate the real-world process of exhibition development. This means that you will respond to a gallery’s brief, and that you will be supported by your university tutors to engage with a range of gallery professionals to complete your proposal. These professional engagements will include having discussions with and gaining feedback from curators, technicians and gallery education staff.
In developing the proposal, you will be supported to consider how your studio work might be developed for presentation across different types of exhibitions – including immersive, event-based, performative and more standard formats that present paintings, photography and sculpture for example. In making choices about the exhibition design, you will be guided to consider who you would like to attract to the gallery exhibition to engage with your work, and what kind of experience you would like the audience to encounter. And you will also be supported to consider how you can best communicate your exhibition proposal to the gallery staff both visually and in writing,
In developing the proposal, you will develop a wider independent appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the external professional contexts that frame and position your studio activity for engagement by audiences. You will also be introduced to the different occupations that art students can consider in relation to their own professional development – such as working as a curator, as a technician, as a gallery education professional, as well as working as an artist.
Course info
UCAS Code W105
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Arts
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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