Read the exhibition review by Levin Ifko published on Akimblog

Curatorial Practices was a two-stage program designed to help artists explore the world of exhibition-making and develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to curate their own exhibitions.

In the first stage, participants learned about curatorial practice through gallery visits, conversations with curators, and hands-on learning. The group met weekly throughout the fall of 2024, alternating between sessions at the NaAC and field trips to galleries and cultural spaces across Calgary.

In the second stage, participants worked one-on-one with NaAC faculty Toni Cormier to curate their own exhibition. Artists made decisions about the artwork they wanted to present, developed a curatorial vision, and explored where and how their exhibition was to be displayed. The program culminated in public exhibitions throughout the spring of 2026.

To wrap up what became a three-year project, the NaAC invited local artist and writer Levin Ifko to review each exhibition. Today, Ifko’s review was published in The Cripsters on Akimblog.

Of the exhibitions, Ifko writes, “‘they emphasized what can come when artists are given access to knowledge, attention to their support and access needs, and agency and encouragement to participate in thoughtful, complex conversations being had in the field of visual arts.”

As this iteration of Curatorial Practices comes to a close, we celebrate not only the exhibitions that emerged from the project, but also the relationships, skills, and critical perspectives developed along the way. We are grateful to the participating artists, curators, mentors, and community partners who contributed to this journey. We invite you to read the full review by Levin Ifko on Akimblog here.

Thank you, Calgary Arts Development for the support that made Curatorial Practices possible.