This special topics course focuses on how to curate exhibits for galleries and other venues, working specifically with electronic literature, or “e-lit”––that is, born digital “works with important literary aspects that take advantage of the capabilities and contexts provided by the stand-alone or networked computer” (ELO, “What Is E-Lit?”). In this course you will:
1. Learn both theory and practice of the art of curation as you develop exhibits for the retrospective of electronic literature artist Stephanie Strickland for the CMDC’s Nouspace Gallery in March and for the celebration for National Poetry Month at the Vancouver Community Library in April
2. Gain experience with archives and databases, like the Electronic Literature Lab’s Media Library, the ELO’s Electronic Literature Directory and Collections, and ELMCIP’s Knowledge Base, for the purpose of researching works of art when planning exhibits
3. Hone interpretative and evaluative skills through selecting works for shows
Because curators select individual works in a way so that they make sense together, arrange them so that each is displayed to its advantage, and encourages interaction between visitors and them and among the visitors in the physical space––resulting in an exhibit that stands as a work of art itself––you will come to understand through direct experience in curating you own exhibits that curating is a creative act.