KAB380 Advanced Contemporary Art: Exhibition Project

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit consolidates advanced independent practice in contemporary art and focuses on the professional presentation of artworks in public exhibition contexts. This unit is framed by understanding the historical, theoretical and critical contexts of art practice through in-depth research and analysis, and ethical, inclusive and diverse cultural perspectives. Exhibition making in contemporary art involves the purposive integration of conceptual, critical and practical skills, with artists working independently and collaboratively to produce engaging and innovative outcomes. You will develop conceptual clarity, critical rigour and professional readiness, delivering a major creative work and coordinated group exhibition.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate advanced critical 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 independent practice and exhibition making in contemporary art, and 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 independent creative works 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 your work. You will work individually and 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 studio critiques with peers and through a formative progress review discussing creative works and exhibition projects in development. You will also receive written feedback on your Assessment 2: Creative Work, which will directly relate to and inform your final assessment. This feedback framework supports reflective learning, continuous improvement, and capstone‑level independence.

Assessment

Overview

The summative assessment for this unit includes your consistent professional engagement, 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. In assessment, you will engage with generative AI tools in ways relevant to the critical and ethical expectations in the field of Visual Arts. Formative assessment involves feedback on creative works and exhibition projects in the development phase. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Professional Engagement

You will present considered feedback and discussion in relation your own creative work and the works of peers, engaging professionally in studio and exhibition contexts. This is evidenced in preparedness, constructive participation, collaboration, responsiveness to feedback, and professional behaviour. Timely completion of all exhibition milestones and adherence to project deadlines are required components of this assessment. This task reflects industry‑aligned expectations of accountability, collegiality, and ethical practice within contemporary art and exhibition contexts.

Assessment: Creative Works

You will develop and produce substantial creative work(s) in your chosen area of practice, supported by critical and contextual articulation. The submission will take one of the following forms:

1. A major artwork accompanied by a written artist statement (400 words), or
2. An exhibition catalogue accompanied by a critical catalogue essay (1000 words).

This assessment demonstrates the integration of research, theory, and advanced technical skill in resolved creative practice.

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

Assessment: Exhibition Project

You will plan and present a public group exhibition project and submit professional quality documentation. This assessment evaluates your hands-on installation of artworks, effective in-person public presentation, effective collaboration with peers and curators, and ethical engagement with professional practices. The Exhibition Project demonstrates your ability to translate conceptual and critical frameworks into a public‑facing context. 

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

Recommended text(s)

Altshuler, B. (2013). Biennials and beyond : exhibitions that made art history 1962-2002. Phaidon Press Limited.

Green, C., & Gardner, A. (2016). Biennials, triennials, and documenta : the exhibitions that created contemporary art. John Blackwell. 

Steeds, L. (Ed.). (2014). Documents of Contemporary Art: Exhibition. Whitechapel Gallery.

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 by some viewers. 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 Engagement, Creative Works
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Professional Engagement, Creative Works, Exhibition Project
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO3, Creative Works, 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 Engagement, Creative Works, Exhibition Project
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Professional Engagement, Creative Works, Exhibition Project
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO2, Professional Engagement, Creative Works, Exhibition Project
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO1, Professional Engagement, Creative Works
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 Engagement, Creative Works, 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