Curatorial statement

This curatorial statement is reviewed every 6 months and is underpinned by our shared commitment to our Library values, to deliver on our ambitious Strategy, and to benefit the people of Victoria.

Curatorial refers to the responsibilities and actions related to the selection, care, management, research, interpretation and presentation of collections and content into relationships with people. This work includes the ways the collections are presented and experienced by audiences. It involves contributions from skilled and multidisciplinary teams across the Library who enrich and grow our community of practice. Curatorial expertise synthesises these contributions, with attention to this specific site, collections and audiences.

Curatorial principles guide the ways in which we undertake this work and how we aspire to grow our Library-based practices. We acknowledge that these aspirations take time to realise, and we commit to continuing to learn and grow.

Curatorial principles

We believe in the power of knowledge to change lives and that access to, and enjoyment of, culture is a human right. In order to be an active voice for learning, knowledge and culture, we commit to enabling:

Access to and interpretation of the State Collection: We are stewards of a multidisciplinary public collection that is a resource for everyone. We productively interrogate, share and enhance the collection and the stories it holds. We aspire to create experiences that connect all people with the collection. These collaborations bring new contexts, insights and perspectives to the Collection to grow its relevance to all
Victorian Indigenous Research Centre (VIRC)-led experiences: We support the voices and stories of Indigenous Victorians and provide meaningful, community-driven experiences that connect visitors with material held in the Library's collection. The VIRC allows for and encourages the continuous sharing of knowledge beyond research – supporting Indigenous ways of learning as an organic and ongoing process of sharing
Invitation and co-creation: We invite artist and guest contributions and collaborations, and where possible we create experiences with audiences and with communities of Victoria. Our experiences are bold, imaginative, enriching and explore new curatorial approaches at the Library. Experiences may continue to grow and change after they open; we have much to learn from the people who encounter them, and we listen to audience experience to inform our ongoing practices
Relevance: In developing and presenting experiences, we ask ourselves: Why at the Library? Why now? Who is it for? We aspire to attract new audiences by ensuring that the Library’s offer is relevant and centred in the opportunities and collections of this place. We deliver programming that pushes the boundaries of what might traditionally be expected while also reflecting the unique and changing nature of libraries
Impact: We aim to be recognised as one of the great libraries of the world and our curatorial and programming choices will be informed by this aspiration. Our ambitious vision will see State Library Victoria globally recognised as a major destination for stimulating cultural experiences, a trusted place for contemporary debates and community-driven collecting, and a gateway to leading-edge digital experiences that invite new and creative ways to use the collection
Listening and nurturing relationships: Relationships are at the core of the Library. Building trust, and maintaining communication and connection, is active and ongoing. Listening is critical to understanding the place of the Library in people's lives. It is integral throughout the curatorial process, from the shaping to the evaluation. We will listen and be responsive to feedback. We will connect with people in ways that continually test our assumptions, valuing and supporting people’s contributions, life experiences and appreciating difference
Enrichment: We aspire to enrich the collection through connection to the communities of Victoria. We aim to expand the narratives of the Library’s experiences, enhance ways of learning and grow understandings of what knowledge is. We want to create cohesive, multi-sensory, multilayered, enriching physical and digital experiences, stimulating new insights and ideas. We have greater impact when we work collaboratively across disciplines to present expansive, unifying experiences across Library spaces and touchpoints
Expression: We will use our platform to support the exploration of ideas and perspectives. We will not tolerate the promulgation of hate, nor use our platform to incite violence or promote extreme ideologies. We will manage risks through robust guidelines that represent our values, mission and purpose.

Desired outcomes for Victorians

Our attention to our curatorial practices and how we work seeks to create enduring benefits Victorians by:

Fostering social connection while honouring difference: Our experiences bring Victorians together, to connect across difference, and to learn and engage with diverse perspectives
Beyond the walls access: Victorians can experience our digital experiences, resources and outreach anywhere, regardless of where they are located
Reflecting diverse life experiences of Victorians: Victorians see themselves reflected in the Library’s collecting and programming. We are a library for all, that genuinely reflects the diverse life experiences of Victorians
New knowledge and innovation: Victorians access new knowledge and innovations through future focused experiences that inspire new learning, knowledge, skills and innovations
Delivering lasting impact: Current and future Victorians experience State Library Victoria as one of the great libraries of the world, a major destination for stimulating cultural experiences, a trusted place for contemporary debates and community-driven collecting, and a gateway to leading-edge digital experiences that invite new and creative ways to use the collection.