ICE: INSTITUTE FOR CURATORSHIP AND EDUCATION

ICE is a research institute, established in 2003, whose aim is to advance the understanding of curatorship and mediation in the context of collections, exhibitions, public space and non-institutional interventions. ICE is particularly concerned to encourage research into the connections between art making and audience engagement.

ICE provide a platform for an international exchange of creative and critical ideas concerning presentation and mediation, interlinking the theory and practice of exhibition making. ICE will interrogate fundamental assumptions of curatorship and review the changing contemporary perspectives on the role and meaning of exhibited objects in relation to the public.

A primary critical focus of ICE is on new thinking in the fields of presentation, display, reception and interpretation of art. ICE also engages actively with a broad range of researchers and professionals in the realms of science, ethnography and humanities. ICE is aware of the challenges of new research into cognition, learning, education, and science in the cultural context of globalisation.

As a means to encourage international exchange and partnership, ICE is creating a forum at which new agendas and ongoing international projects can be discussed. New methodologies of virtual investigation and information are crucial to this work. ICE will foster study and research projects in collaboration with private foundations, public museums, research institutes and other bodies. ICE is also a centre for quality research at doctoral and professional levels.

What is the difference between ICE and other current initiatives in the field?
ICE is centred on the exchange of information and critical ideas, and provides space for criticism of normative orthodoxies. It is less concerned with instrumental and vocational aspects of curatorship. ICE proposes an integrated and broad approach to the central unifying concept of mediation in the visual arts and other disciplines. That process includes within its field of reference many aspects: creative, critical, historical, philosophical, social, political, educational and practical.

Cross-disciplinary approaches are increasingly a feature of creative thinking in our contemporary world. ICE actively encourages collaboration across the boundaries of specialist disciplines. It facilitates connections between artists, scientists, curators, educators, writers, architects, designers and other professionals.

An agency for exchange and collaboration
ICE organises an international programme of lectures, symposia, conferences and exhibitions in Edinburgh, the UK and abroad. It initiates and sustains international exchanges with institutions and individuals. Through these activities ICE is developing new approaches to curating, learning and communication, and supporting reciprocal understanding between generations, and between professions.

ICE funders include
Arts & Humanities Research Council , British Council, Ifa, Goethe Institut, Präsenz Schweiz, Pro Helvetia, Scottish Arts Council

ICE in Edinburgh
ICE is based in Edinburgh as a major research initiative of Edinburgh College of Art, an internationally recognised institution which supports the education, research and practice of artists, designers, architects, curators and writers. It also has academic, museum and professional partners in the city engaged in related work.

Director
Prof. Marianne Eigenheer, Basel / London

Reader / Director of Research Development
Dr. Andrew Patrizio, Edinburgh

Marianne Eigenheer: Some Personal Notes

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