For this session, we decided to take a slightly different approach. Rather than presenting our work individually, we each introduced ourselves and our interests; we then brought forward a set of shared questions around how to initiate and sustain community-based projects. From there, the conversation developed around Ellen’s trajectory and her experience of building a career as a curator. We also discussed the structure of PEER, its funding and commissioning models, and its relationships with other galleries and institutions.
This format allowed everyone present to establish a connection with an important curatorial figure such as Ellen, without the pressure of presenting or pitching individual work. Instead, it created space for a conversation around developing projects, planning, and testing ideas, including reflecting on whether institutional validation is necessary at particular stages of a project.
Ellen’s care and attentiveness throughout the session were particularly notable. She engaged very generously with all of our questions and reflections, asked thoughtful questions about our backgrounds, and offered valuable opinions and observations in return. It was very reassuring to meet her, the conversation left me with a renewed sense of possibility around a more horizontal and supportive arts ecology in the city. I am sure everyone felt similarly. Pedro Resendez
