Map of Portsmouth, Young Curators

The maps, diagrams, words and images shown here represent the initial ideas of the Young Curators, as the project has unfolded over the last ten weeks.

The central map displays a representation of Portsmouth, created through a collaborative exercise in which each Young Curator mapped areas of personal importance. The offshooting routes reflect the fluid way our minds place things, each with an emotional or situational significance to group members, rather than striving for geographical accuracy.

When the group first started, they used mapping and geography to get to know each other, sharing favourite areas and local knowledge with lead artist Flora Duley, who was new to the city.

The words and sentences come from the process of learning to work as a collaborative group, and show the progress of creating their collective manifesto; the main project that the Young Curators have been working on over the last ten weeks. Artist collective Stair/Slide/Space were invited to deliver masterclasses to share their experience working as a collective and help shape the manifesto through collective working exercises.

The display also features many references to food, with sharing food being a big part of how the group comes together.

What is the Young Curators Project?

The Young Curators are a group of 16–18 year olds, who meet weekly to learn more about the art industry and work as a collective. As the 6-month project develops, they will also co-commission artwork.