Role of the add-on exhibition

Within today’s museum environment some exhibitions are not entirely ‘PC’ (politically correct). We look at the role of the ‘add-on’ exhibition.
Add-on. Gallery space with blue walls and carpet and colourful abstract artworks. Desmond Lazaro.

A lot has changed in museological and curatorial circles over the last decade – good changes that have raised questions about the traditional notions of authority and inclusion, gender equality and the ethical responsibility of collections.

With that welcome shift has emerged a growing trend – what ArtsHub is calling the “add-on” or “Added+” exhibition (also referred to as a parallel exhibition) – which is a curated exhibition that sits alongside a major show to offer an alternative view, or greater context.

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Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's National Visual Arts Editor. For a decade she worked as a freelance writer and curator across Southeast Asia and was previously the Regional Contributing Editor for Hong Kong based magazines Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. Prior to writing she worked as an arts manager in America and Australia for 14 years, including the regional gallery, biennale and commercial sectors. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Twitter: @ginafairley Instagram: fairleygina