The BICI was created in recognition of the current dearth of support for research and development in the field of curating in Canada and internationally. The Institute provides unique support for individuals who have established a career but need the time, space and stimulation to grow professionally. However, the program also allows space for pre-professional training through a number of initiatives. While the primary focus is contemporary visual and media arts, the institute will explore curatorial innovations in other fields as well.
Emphasis is placed on the development of Canadian curators within an international context.
The BICI presents think tanks and summits that bring curators together from across Canada and internationally. This two-day think tank allowed for the development of a dialogue not usually available to curators who work independently of one another and outside the institutional discourse of art exhibition practice. In August of 2000 the BICI presented the Banff Curatorial Summit. In February of 2001 the BICI brought together 15 curators who looked at new strategies for the presentation of historical artwork. This think tank focused on storytelling and the role of narrativity in exhibitions.