Earlier this spring, members of the UK exhibition team for Prague Quadrennial 2027 travelled to Prague to take part in Performing Exhibitions, Curating Scenographies, an international symposium bringing together curators, researchers, designers and practitioners from across the world.
The symposium offered a fascinating insight into the conversations currently shaping scenography and exhibition-making internationally. Across three days of talks, panels and discussions, speakers explored topics including national representation, living archives, multisensory exhibition design and the evolving role of curators in creating scenographic experiences rather than simply displaying work. This included research shared by members of the UK curatorial team, which sparked discussion and fed into some of the provocations and ideas now beginning to emerge within the collective.
One of the real highlights was meeting other national curators and hearing about the ideas already emerging from teams around the world. It was a reminder of how many different approaches, perspectives and questions come together through PQ, and how exciting it is to be part of that wider conversation.
The symposium also gave us our first chance to visit the Industrial Palace in the Prague Exhibition Grounds, currently undergoing renovation, with some members of the team joining remotely. PQ 2027 is set to return to the Industrial Palace again after 8 years. It was exciting to start imagining how audiences might move through the spaces, where work might live, and how the UK exhibition will sit alongside contributions from around the world. Being able to physically be in the space felt important, and inspiring, in unexpected ways. As creative practitioners who work with space and bodies, we understand the value of being physically in a space, with other people, responding to atmospheres and intangibles, alongside technical considerations.
The trip was a chance to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, test ideas and get a glimpse of the spaces and conversations that will shape the next PQ. It was wonderful to spend time with the international PQ community and start imagining what 2027 might become. Thanks to SBTD for supporting the attendance of some of the team. As so much of our work flow shifts into digital realms, there are gains in accessibility, but losses in connection and serendipity. The shaft of light you saw coming through a window because you were in a certain place at the right time; the conversation in a bar that leads to a new collaboration, or a different way of thinking about a problem; the smells, tastes and vibes of a place, and a community.
We’re looking forward to sharing more as the project develops – and to bringing the wider SBTD community along with us on the road to Prague. More info on our curatorial concept and opportunities to participate to come shortly!
Lucy Thornett & E.M. Parry, on behalf of the UK PQ curatorial team 2027
