A SPACE FOR DIALOGUE: HOOD EXHIBITION CONFRONTS DISABILITY BIASES

The Hood Museum at Dartmouth College is home to an innovative program allowing student curators to create an exhibition from concept to realization, producing all aspects of their self-defined project including writing wall text and a brochure, choosing wall colors, frames and object placement, and giving a public talk. With the support of faculty and experienced curators, once a theme has been specified, students have access to the vast collection held by the Hood, with wide-reaching opportunities to choose works which best represent their curatorial intent. The program, known as “A Space for Dialogue,” debuted in 2001 and has brought over 580 works into community and public view.

Amelia Kahl is Curator of Academic Programming for the Hood, and oversees A Space for Dialogue. “Working with interns to develop their A Space for Dialogue exhibitions is one of the most satisfying parts of my job,” Kahl shared recently. “I’m consistently impressed by the creativity and care with which they approach the collection, often finding objects and connections that I never have. My job is to guide them through the curatorial process working with my colleagues to give them a professional experience. Watching their ideas come together as the exhibition is installed, their brochure is printed, and they give their public talk is tremendously exciting.”

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