Exclusive Member Event: Insights from Curators on Visiting Artist Studios
How Artists Can Build Meaningful Relationships with Curators: A Conversation to Support Creative Growth
As artists navigate their professional journeys, one of the most vital—yet often misunderstood—relationships is that between artists and curators. Both parties play crucial roles in shaping the contemporary art landscape, and the synergy between them can lead to groundbreaking exhibitions, meaningful collaborations, and sustained careers. Recognizing the significance of this dynamic, Hyperallergic is hosting a special members-only virtual conversation on April 29, 2025, at 3 PM ET, bringing together esteemed curators to share insights directly with the artist community.
The panel, moderated by Hyperallergic’s Editor-in-Chief Hrag Vartanian, features three outstanding curatorial voices: Kimberli Gant of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Candice Hopkins of the Forge Project, and Caroline Ellen Liou of Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. Together, they’ll explore what makes a studio visit successful, how curators evaluate work, and how artists can foster healthy, professional relationships in a competitive and evolving art world.
Why Artist-Curator Relationships Matter
A curator serves as more than just a gatekeeper to exhibitions or collections—they are advocates, interpreters, and sometimes collaborators. For emerging and mid-career artists, cultivating thoughtful relationships with curators can provide critical exposure and institutional validation. Yet, many artists approach these connections with uncertainty.
This upcoming conversation will demystify the curatorial perspective, offering specific guidance on best practices and professional etiquette. From preparing for a studio visit to following up respectfully without overstepping, artists will gain tools to confidently present their work while building a sustainable career.
About the Panelists
Each speaker brings a wealth of curatorial experience to the table.
Kimberli Gant is the Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. She has built a distinguished career curating exhibitions that spotlight cultural identity and African Diasporic experiences. Her recent curatorial highlights include Spike Lee: Creative Sources (2023) and Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys (2024). Kimberli’s commitment to academic rigor and narrative depth ensures her insights will resonate with artists seeking thoughtful and precise feedback.
Candice Hopkins offers a powerful voice from the intersection of Indigeneity, performance, and historical interpretation. A citizen of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Hopkins is Executive Director and Chief Curator at Forge Project and noted for work at prestigious platforms including documenta 14 and the Venice Biennale. Her emphasis on Indigenous art histories and critique of colonial structures will bring a perspective rooted in equity, resistance, and storytelling.
Caroline Ellen Liou, based in Turin, Italy, is Curator at Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. Formerly with ICA LA, she’s known for politically conscious exhibitions such as Scientia Sexualis. Her academic and artistic background—BFA in Painting and MA in Art History—allows her to connect deeply with the artistic process and unique curatorial challenges. Her practice revolves around inclusion, difference, and re-examining institutional frameworks.
The Importance of Studio Visits
A central topic of the event will be navigating studio visits—the pivotal moments where curators encounter an artist’s process and vision firsthand. The panel will offer advice on how to:
– Prepare your space and streamline your presentation
– Communicate your artistic aims clearly and succinctly
– Ask for constructive feedback
– Understand boundaries and maintain professionalism
– Follow up and sustain a relationship beyond the visit
In a field often driven by personal networks and trust, studio visits can lead to future opportunities—but also carry potential for miscommunication. This discussion will encourage transparency, mutual respect, and well-informed strategies.
Interactive Format and Member Engagement
The event will feature a Q&A session, giving Hyperallergic Members the opportunity to ask curators their most pressing questions directly. Whether you’re unsure how to approach a curator, want to know how selection processes work, or seek guidance on building a more inclusive art practice, this is a rare chance to engage in a candid, meaningful exchange.
How to Join
The event is open exclusively to active Hyperallergic Members. If you’re already a member, simply log in at hyperallergic.com/my-account to access the registration link. Non-members can still join by signing up at hyperallergic.com/membership. Aside from this virtual event, becoming a member supports the vital independent journalism that Hyperallergic is known for—reporting that is free, critical, and community-focused rather than shaped by corporate influence.
Final Thoughts
In an art ecosystem often centered on aesthetics and visibility, conversations like this help artists understand the human and professional mechanisms behind exhibitions and opportunities. The April 29 panel is more than a learning opportunity—it’s a step towards building a healthier and more collaborative art world.
To participate, become part of the Hyperallergic Member community today. For questions or support, contact membership@hyper