FAQ

What is the course structure of each module of CULTIVATE?

Each module begins with a one week in-person seminar program. Throughout this week, each faculty member delivers a presentation on relevant topics engaging the theme of that particular module. Between these presentations, faculty meet with their mentees privately and within select groups*, to discuss their individual case studies. Break out discussions are also arranged for reflection with all faculty and participants at various times throughout the week. A full day tour of select exhibitions on view in Bangkok is also arranged. Where possible, select social hang-outs are arranged with the local arts community also. Each day usually starts at 9.30am, with programmed discussion ending between 5-6pm. A welcome dinner and a final dinner is provided, including lunch each day.

Following this in-person seminar week, participants are expected to meet online with their dedicated faculty – privately, and within their select group – over the course of the next 3 months. To wrap up each module, participants are required to submit a report of the progress of their case study to their faculty mentor (inclusive of any writing, documentation, proposal, etc) for their final feedback.

*Each faculty mentors 3 participants only for each module

If my application is successful, do I get to choose who will be my faculty mentor? 

in-tangible institute decides which faculty member mentors which participant. This decision is based on each participant’s case study, matching it with faculty expertise, experience and interest. 

What do future modules engage in topic and scope?

Module 3 looks at ‘Leadership’, covering topics such as responsibility and accountability of managing human resources with good governance in the arts; the need for a code of ethics with our work; budget skills; strategic planning in mission and vision development; crisis and risk management; legal concerns; issues of security and insurance; board liaison and role; how to ensure talent cultivation and friendship in the arts

Module 4 looks at ‘Professional Development’, engaging the need to improve our expertise with skills in public speaking and writing; what we need to manage our projects with appropriate up-to-date design thinking and program evaluation; developing ethical and equitable networking skills with appropriate time management; negotiating career development; understanding wellness; implementing cross-cultural communication; understanding the need for role models and mentorship; understanding sacrifice between the personal and the professional in the arts.

Module 5 is a very different kind of module. It provides one-to-one mentorship over the course of 4 months. Each participant’s current job role will be studied (as opposed to an identified case study as required for all other modules).

Module 1 (which took place between 1 August – 30 November, 2024) looks at ‘Programming in the Arts’. You can read more about its contents and participants here. 

Module 2 (which will take place between 18 February – 25 May, 2025) looks at ‘Patronage’. You can read more about its contents and how to apply here.

The current Open Call for Applications for Module 2 of CULTIVATE focuses on ‘Patronage’. Can you share more on how this topic will be unpacked in this module?

The general understanding of ‘patronage’ in the arts concerns how an individual or organization is financially supported. Being a ‘patron’ of the arts is typified by Western systems of museums and galleries, whereby financial support is sought in order to sustain the practice of an artist or an arts organization (e.g. as collector, as board member, sponsor or co-organizer of an exhibition). The relationship between makers (e.g. artists), facilitators (e.g. curators) and patrons (e.g. collectors or investors) is a crucial necessity in the current global system of Art. But does being a ‘patron’ necessitate wealth? Whilst module 2 will assess the needs and concerns of such wealth relations (e.g. engaging the current perspectives of the market, the shifting temperament of global financial support, the burgeoning private sector stronghold on defining artistic practice), it will also study the context of Southeast Asia, to ask how our cultural practices offer differing perspectives, means and needs in garnering, securing and maintaining the arts. For example, how do our exhibitions, sales practices, institutional programs and educational curricula activate differing conversations about what deserves patronage? How do we, as curators and arts managers, trigger the desire to be a patron (and of what and why)? For example, how do we bring better understanding of the context of artistic production (their community, materials and practices), that perhaps we cannot see and hold and thus currently lack public awareness? There is a growing global ethical shift away from status-powered patronage, towards cause-driven support. This module seeks to study this and attempt to be better prepared for how to best serve such interests in order to support the needs of our regional art ecology.

How do you define ‘arts manager’? I am a collector with a strong interest in exhibitions. I’m not a curator (as I don’t have writing skills nor have I studied art history). Am I eligible?

Yes you are eligible. Within CULTIVATE, we consider an ‘arts manager’ anyone who embraces the business of looking after artists, artworks and their necessary movement (ie. participation in exhibitions, fairs, public programs, special events, not to mention, the necessary care for the artwork in its handling, storage, display and legal paperwork). We have collectors all over the world generously lending / creating opportunities to share their collections with publics – it is thus crucial to understand the landscape of patronage and your responsibilities:-)

I don’t live and work in Southeast Asia. However I am a citizen (living and working) in a country listed in your eligibility criteria. Can I apply?

You can apply as long as you can provide evidence of your prior engagement with the arts ecology of Southeast Asia (i.e. demonstrate you have curated, written, taught or managed art-related projects with organizations or individuals in this region).

I don’t have a case study that is actually confirmed with artists, nor exhibition partners, nor funding. Can I still apply?

You can apply if you can demonstrate you have active and productive relationships with your community to whom you hope to work with (i.e. provide evidence of a prior history of working with your desired organization/individual).

Must I attend all activities of the 7 day in-person seminar at BACC?

Yes

Is there any possibility of accessing the presentation recordings of the faculty of prior modules?

Video documentation of prior faculty presentations are made available for alumni (past and present participants) only.

Will all future modules be with in-person seminars held in Bangkok?

Not necessarily. Program hosts are negotiated for each module. If you are interested in hosting a module of CULTIVATE, please contact us: [email protected]

For further enquires, please contact: [email protected]