KAB380 Advanced Contemporary Art: Exhibition Project

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This capstone unit consolidates advanced independent practice in contemporary art and focuses on the presentation of critical creative and curatorial practices for public exhibition contexts. Exhibition making in contemporary art involves the purposive integration of conceptual, critical and practical skills, with artists and curators working independently and collaboratively to produce engaging and innovative outcomes. This process includes exhibition planning, design and installation, producing exhibition didactics, catalogues and essays, and engaging audiences through public programs and events. Practical and theoretical considerations of a range of exhibition contexts including creative and conceptual applications of digital platforms are addressed. This is framed by understanding of the historical and critical contexts of exhibition practice through in-depth research and analysis, and ethical, inclusive and diverse cultural perspectives in contemporary art practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced critically analysis and reflection on form, process, concepts and critical contexts in relation to contemporary art
2. Display proficiency and command of the visual, material, and written languages appropriate to contemporary art
3. Synthesise advanced technical skills and expert theoretical knowledge in the production and presentation of creative and critical practice
4. Demonstrate ethical judgement and professionalism in your advanced creative and critical practice

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following activities:  

lectures will provide theoretical and contextual frameworks for exhibition making in contemporary art, and tutorials will focus on critical discussion and analysis of key texts, artworks and exhibitions. This analysis will be framed by undertaking a range of gallery site visits and exhibition tours, and engaging with professional talks by artists, curators or gallerists. In the studio you will develop creative works in your chosen format and benefit from feedback on works in progress through individual and group critiques. In the exhibition project you will gain practical experience in installing and presenting art exhibitions, with a focus on digital modes of presentation and public engagement. You will work collaboratively in groups to achieve professional standard outcomes in public facing exhibitions. 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will gain feedback in this unit by participating in regular critiques with academics and peers and through a formative progress interview discussing creative works and exhibition projects in development. You will also receive written feedback on your Assessment 1: Professional Profile and Assessment 2: Creative Work, which will directly relate to and inform your final assessment. 

Assessment

Overview

The summative assessment for this unit includes the presentation of a professional creative profile appropriate for public audiences and professional industry contexts, the production of a major creative work in your chosen area of practice and the professional planning, conceptualisation and presentation of a public exhibition project. The successful realisation of the Exhibition Project is a requirement to complete this unit in order to demonstrate professionalism in the contemporary art industry. Formative assessment involves a progress interview to give feedback on creative works and exhibition projects in the development phase. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Professional Profile

You will create a professional artist/ curator profile video appropriate for a public audience and develop a professional website (draft) which includes a written biography/CV.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Creative Work

You will develop and produce a substantial creative work in your chosen area of practice, comprising either 1) major artwork with written artist statement, or 2). exhibition catalogue and catalogue essay. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Exhibition Project

You will plan and present a public exhibition project and submit professional quality documentation.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement) 

This unit also requires a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio. Some students may be required to complete a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.

A Project Risk Management Plan is also mandatory.

Costs

Student contributions to the production costs of artworks and exhibitions. Cost varies depending on the nature of individual studio practice and projects.

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.  

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information. 

You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

For CIESJ Tiers 2 and 3 Health and Safety requirements, you will be instructed on safe procedures and the required safety gear for all studio and workshop processes that are demonstrated. Health and Safety files are readily available for all materials and machinery in all studio areas. Technical supervision is provided for workshops and available on a regular basis during the week. Technical supervision is mandatory in 3D workshop and printmaking studios.

A minimum of three students is required for after-hours access to studios.

Risk assessment forms must be completed and submitted before project work starts. You have an obligation to make yourself familiar with and adhere to the Contemporary Art Studio Health and Safety Procedures and Documents provided on Canvas as part of the unit. For further information also refer to the QUT Health and Safety website.

Contemporary Art engages with a wide range of content and contexts and this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matter that could be considered confronting or triggering. This includes, but is not limited to, discussions about and representations of trauma and violence, as well as experiences of mental and physical health. These may be in relation to topics including race, class, gender, politics, and religion. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Course Learning Outcomes

CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts

1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
   Relates to: ULO1, Professional Profile, Creative Work
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Professional Profile, Creative Work, Exhibition Project
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO3, Creative Work, Exhibition Project
4. Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Professional Profile, Creative Work, Exhibition Project
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Professional Profile, Creative Work, Exhibition Project
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO2, Professional Profile, Creative Work, Exhibition Project
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO1, Professional Profile, Creative Work
8. Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
   Relates to: ULO4, Exhibition Project
9. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Professional Profile, Creative Work, Exhibition Project
10. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
    Relates to: ULO4, Exhibition Project
11. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO4, Exhibition Project