CULTIVATE

OVERVIEW 

Led by Luckana Kunavichayanont, Zoe Butt, and Kate Fowle, CULTIVATE is a 5-module program that brings world-renowned faculty to Bangkok to develop 18 select arts professionals with skills and networks to distinguish themselves and their affiliates as leading facilitators of contemporary art in the region. In addition to the program leaders, guest faculty add topically relevant experience as educators and facilitators of contemporary culture. Each of the 5 modules includes a 1-week face-to-face intensive in Bangkok, followed by a practicum of periodic group and individual online meetings with faculty throughout the following 3 months. Participants will use their current projects as case studies for faculty consultation and problem-solving. To conclude each module, participants submit materials for assessment to guest faculty and program leaders. Modules focus on Programming in the Arts, Patronage, Leadership, Professional Development, and Mentorship. 

*Please note ‘CULTIVATE’ is a not-for-profit venture – all fees go directly to the running costs of the overall program

MODULE 1 

Module 1, Programming in the Arts, takes place between 1-7 August 2024,  co-organized by Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC); supported by the Asia Culture Council, New York.

Guest faculty include Nikita Choi, Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Times Museum, Guangzhou; Nisa Mackie, Deputy Director of Learning & Engagement at MoMA, New York; and Frankie Su, Senior Curator at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. Alongside CULTIVATE program leaders Luckana Kunavichayanont, Board Member, Secretary and previous director of BACC; Kate Fowle, Senior Curatorial Director, Hauser & Wirth, New York; and Zoe Butt, Founder/Director/Curator, in-tangible institute.

Topics of discussion in ‘Module 1 – Programming’ includes Research; Exhibitions, Commissions, Artist Liaison; Education; Audience Development, Visitor Engagement; Public Programs, Events, Performances; Artist Interventions and Residencies; Fundraising and Sponsorship; Scenography; Shipping, Art Handling & Installation; Publishing; and Community Collaborations.

Learn more about the successful participants of Module 1!

Module 1 is co-organized and supported by Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (Asian Culture Council Grantee 2024); with thanks to Program Patrons ‘Atta Gallery’ and ‘SAC Gallery’, Bangkok

LEARNING OUTCOMES

CULTIVATE develops leadership and practical skills to raise the professional standards of facilitating contemporary art—both institutional display of art and curatorial development of private and public collections. Participants learn from experts in an intimate 3:1 faculty ratio.

• Participants will learn how to expand audiences, build community, and facilitate transformative experiences between diverse publics and contemporary culture.
• Participants will gain the skills to improve local and foreign audience engagement and curate innovative programs that can compete on an international stage.
• Participants will learn to negotiate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, navigate cross-border programming, and elevate local community voices. 
• Participants will expand their institutional and personal networks to leading talents in the region and beyond, opening the door to future global collaborations.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES (applicable to all forthcoming modules)

Art entities (public, private, or commercial) in the region are invited to sponsor individuals who will most benefit from this program. Freelance individuals in the field can also apply at their own cost. 

Prospective participants are required to submit the following application materials in English:

1. Statement of Intent (≤500 words): how would the program benefit your career and impact the audiences and teams you work with?
2. Case Study (≤500 words): a project in progress to further develop during the program.
3. Resume/CV (≤2 pages).
4. Portfolio (≤10 pages): written descriptions and image documentation of no more than 4 previous projects.
5. Affiliation: sponsor name, contact details, and associated institution (if relevant).
6. Submit applications via email, subject line “CULTIVATE Application – [NAME]” with all application materials combined and attached as a single PDF (file size ≤15 MB).

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and assessed by in-tangible institute. Successful applicants will be notified in due course.

It is a competitive open call for applications for each Module (dates for future modules to be announced in due course). Those interested in applying for the entire course in advance can become a CULTIVATE Program Partner. To inquire about Program Partnership, please contact us.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Critical approach to demonstrated curatorial / arts management practice (minimum 3 years experience).
• Desire to be mentored.
• Living and working in Southeast Asia.
• Citizen or permanent resident of one of the following: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Mainland China, East Timor, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

WHY CULTIVATE?

The first of its caliber in Southeast Asia, CULTIVATE offers professional development aimed at equipping a new generation of locally rooted and internationally-informed leaders to elevate the standards of arts in the region. This is needed to strengthen the capacity of cultural institutions in Southeast Asia to establish mutually generative international collaborations. The sector increasingly demands internationally competent expertise to realize programs that are resonant and relevant to both local and global contexts.

Supporting Southeast Asian cultural histories, heritage, and methodologies is inseparable from our participation on the world stage. Many regional economies are reliant on cultural tourism, which requires developing our own local talents into innovative stars, equipped to elevate community-rooted stories for global audiences. Southeast Asia’s cultural industry requires infrastructural and talent development to captivate both local and international attention and investments toward re-writing the art histories of our region on our own terms. 

If Southeast Asian cultural initiatives are to innovate and participate globally, we must cultivate local talent and equip them with resources and experience. Rather than removing participants from the workforce, CULTIVATE leverages their ongoing careers as practical case studies and educational opportunities. Participants’ local institutions, programs, and audiences directly benefit from CULTIVATE top-tier faculty consultation on these live case studies. By convening local and international talents to address on-the-ground issues in Southeast Asia, CULTIVATE aims to nurture more diversified ‘centers’ of the global art world.