WEEK 10: Budget Anticipation and Collective Practice

Overview

During the tenth week of study, I mainly focused on the construction of the exhibition budget and collective practice. While reviewing the overall budget structure, I also further added potential costs and adjustable spaces that were not included, and considered the sources of funds and feasible paths; at the same time, the group continued to advance the curatorial discussion and visual design of the “No Heroes” exhibition, making the project gradually clearer at the actual implementation level.

 

Budget Anticipation

Image by Tianshun Zhao

Anticipated but Unaccounted Costs

Visual design and exhibition image system

• This includes the design costs for graphic design, visual identity system and related printed materials. These costs have not been separately listed at present, and additional costs may arise in the future.

Staff allocation and management costs for exhibition periods

• The subsidies for the exhibition attendees or volunteers during the event have not yet been included in the budget, but they are necessary in actual operation.

 

Cost Adjustment and Budget Flexibility

The flexibility of artist fees

• If the project does not require the artist to be present for on-site installation or for workshops, the artist’s fee can be reduced accordingly, with only the exhibition fee or licensing fee remaining, thereby significantly reducing the overall expenditure.

Digital transfer of publicity costs

• By reducing paper printing and shifting to social media and digital communication, the expenditure on publicity and printing can be further reduced. For example, sending an electronic version of the archive to the participants of the workshop.

Income and Funding Strategy

Primary Institutional Support

• It is expected to apply for the ECA student program fund or the support from the relevant college as the initial capital, to cover the core expenditures (such as artist fees or space costs).

Thematic funding opportunities

• The exhibition covers topics related to Southeast Asia or immigration. Exploring relevant cultural funds or support from embassies can help enhance the international and cultural dimensions of the project.

 

Collective Practice

Image by Hengyi Chen & Tianshun Zhao

This week’s collective activity involved a group discussion on the main content of the “No Heroes” exhibition. I designed a visual poster and exhibition map, and each member presented a piece of work that was suitable for the theme. I brought an art installation demo that was completed together with other members of the CAT group. During the meeting, we discussed every aspect required for the exhibition plan, such as narrative text, budget, and support, and Kirsity compiled them and posted them in the teams channel.