Curating Place: Lewis Biggs
How can contemporary art transform our understanding of place, reshape public space, and engage communities in new ways?
Drawing on his extensive experience as a curator and artistic director, Lewis Biggs explores the evolving relationship between contemporary art, public space and the biennial model. Reflecting on his influential work with the Liverpool Biennial and Folkestone Triennial, the talk considers how large-scale international exhibitions can move beyond conventional institutional settings to engage directly with the social, cultural and physical environments in which they take place.
Through examples of site-specific commissions, public art interventions and collaborative curatorial approaches, Biggs examines the opportunities and challenges of presenting contemporary art within the public realm. The discussion will address questions of artistic ambition, curatorial responsibility, community engagement and the capacity of art to challenge established perceptions of place.
Situated within the context of ArtLink, Inishowen, the talk also invites reflection on the relevance of these approaches beyond major urban centres, considering how contemporary art can contribute to cultural dialogue, local identity and new possibilities for artistic practice in rural and regional settings.
Lewis Biggs is a British art curator, writer, and cultural consultant known for his contributions to contemporary art. He studied Modern History at Oxford University and Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. Throughout his career, he has worked to make art more accessible and enjoyable for the public.
From 1990 to 2000, Biggs was the Director of Tate Liverpool, where he helped promote modern and contemporary art. He later became the Director of the Liverpool Biennial from 2000 to 2011, helping it grow into one of the UK’s most important art festivals. His work also helped Liverpool become recognised as a major cultural city.
Biggs has worked on several international art exhibitions, including the Aichi Triennale in Japan and the Folkestone Triennial in England. He is especially interested in public art and how it can transform cities and bring communities together. His contributions have made him an influential figure in the contemporary art world.
Year: 2023
Speaker: Lewis Biggs
Venue: ArtLink, Inishowen
Curator: Keith Whittle
Partner: ArtLink