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 nstitute will explore curatorial innovations in other fields as well.
Emphasis is placed on the development of Canadian curators within an international context.
Renee Baert a critic and independent curator who's writing on contemporary art has been widely published. She has a PhD in Communications from McGill University and teaches in the MFA program at Concordia University. Sarah worked at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis for a year as a curatorial research intern and organized an on-line forum, concerning art, entertainment and technology. She has worked at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, organizing an exhibition of conceptual art, Fluxus, artists' books and multiples. Sarah has a Master's Degree from Bard College's Centre for Curatorial Studies in New York.