From 2018 to 2021, I had the opportunity to collaborate as a research assistant with the director and curator Marie-Hélène Leblanc at UQO Gallery. This space for research and dissemination in contemporary art, affiliated with the University of Quebec in Outaouais, plays a key role in promoting art at the local, national, and international levels.
Article’s thumbnail: Photo by Timo Masri on Unsplash
A Laboratory for Research and Artistic Experimentation
The UQO Gallery, founded in 2015, is the result of the master’s program in museology and arts practices at the Multidisciplinary School of Image (ÉMI). Its mandate is based on four key areas:
- Advancement of Research and Knowledge: Critical studies and in-depth analysis of contemporary art.
- Artistic Exploration: Presentation of innovative projects that push the limits of media and concepts.
- Critical Reflection: Curatorial approaches that question artistic and institutional practices.
- Social Engagement: Fostering dialogue between art and the community.
My Role within the UQO Gallery
As a research assistant, I contributed to several aspects of the gallery’s programming and management:
- Analysis and documentation of exhibitions.
- Research on emerging artistic and curatorial practices.
- Contribution to publications and critical reflections surrounding the presented projects.
- Support for organizing events and conferences.
An Impact on the Artistic and Museological Scene
Working with the UQO Gallery allowed me to deepen my understanding of the role of university spaces in the promotion of contemporary art. This experience also provided me with valuable immersion in the field of museology research, emphasizing the importance of cultural mediation and critical reflection on exhibitions.