Collective Memory: A Hands-On Curating Practice at Summerhall
On April 4th, our group had the opportunity to carry out a collaborative curatorial project at Summerhall. The theme we chose was simple yet emotionally resonant: “Leave Your Memory Behind.” We invited participants—our group members and some friends—to use everyday objects, printed materials, sketches, stickers, and even candy wrappers to create a collective collag
e reflecting their impressions of Edinburgh.
Our collage became a vibrant mix of maps, tickets, receipts, flowers, and symbols of daily life—all arranged around the ideas of family, connection, and place. This wasn’t a traditional exhibition; it was an open space where personal memory met public storytelling. What started as a blank board gradually turned into a communal visual diary of the city.
I found this experience both inspiring and meaningful. It reminded me that curating isn’t always about presenting finished art objects—sometimes, it’s about facilitating the creation of new meaning through shared action. I saw how accessible and participatory curating can be, especially when it comes from genuine engagement rather than hierarchy.
We also touched on theoretical ideas, like relational aesthetics, which considers art as a social experience rather than a solitary act. Our project embodied this perfectly: people gathered, shared stories, touched materials, and made something together. It blurred the boundaries between artist, curator, and audience.
This exercise made me think more deeply about the role of the curator in collective making, and how memory and space can be shaped by small gestures and shared emotion. I hope to carry these lessons into my individual curatorial project, especially in terms of inviting participation and making space for others to contribute.
