» Within and Beyond: A Taxonomy in Exhibition-making

An exhibition, upon its creation, can be seen as a milestone of maturity that a curator can achieve in a project. What could be more exhilarating than stepping into a space where abstractions are being actualized into materiality, occupying the space with their own form, breath, and heaviness? Through exhibition, these concepts acquire a life of their own, escaping the creator’s ambition to give them meaning into the shoulders of the audience, who will prolong their life beyond the exhibition space. Thus, the concept continues evolving through different eyes, into different forms. Therefore, confidently letting go of one’s initial idea to allow it to form and develop is the moment of maturity for an exhibition maker.

What does exhibition-making entail? Can a curator, apart from supporting artists, be considered a co-creator for an exhibition? If so, how would their art labour be classified?

Nguyễn Art Foundation (NAF) officially launches Within and Beyond: A Taxonomy in Exhibition-making with this year’s theme, A Survey of Landscape, spanning from 05/2026 – 06/2027. We aim to find and connect emerging curators, writers, and researchers to explore different dimensions of thinking and practice in exhibition production. The selected participants receive direct professional support from the NAF team and guest speakers and have the opportunity to participate in workshops and field trips exclusively designed for the year-long program.

We also offer a wide range of programs for a general audience, including interdisciplinary roundtables, book discussions, museum and public relic site visits, practice in permaculture and a community dinner, and other interactive activities throughout the year.

The project is initiated by Vicky Do and supported by Nguyễn Art Foundation.