Jessica Ragazzini

Researcher in Art History and Philosophy

Exhibition Spaces in a Collegial Context: A Research on Their Pedagogical and Artistic Role (2019 – 2022)

From 2019 to 2022, I had the opportunity to collaborate as a research assistant with Professor Catherine Nadon on the project Portrait of Exhibition Spaces Integrated into CEGEPs Offering Visual Arts Education and Associated Activities. This project aimed to analyze the impact and functions of exhibition spaces in a collegiate environment, an area still little studied but fundamental in the training of young artists.


Article’s thumbnail: Photo by Sam Szuchan on Unsplash

Exhibition Spaces in a Collegiate Context: A Pedagogical Laboratory

Unlike secondary schools, which rarely have suitable infrastructures, CEGEPs offering visual arts programs often integrate exhibition spaces within their establishments. These spaces play a key role in the learning process of visual arts students by allowing them to:

  • Present their works in professional conditions.
  • Explore spatial arrangement and scenography of exhibitions.
  • Interact with an audience and receive critical feedback on their work.
  • Understand curatorial issues and exhibition management.

An In-Depth Study of Museology in an Educational Context

This research provided a detailed portrait of the different functions of collegiate exhibition spaces. By comparing them to university galleries, which are more focused on professional artist exhibitions, the study highlighted the importance of these spaces as springboards for young creators.

The research areas included:

  • The evolution of exhibition practices in CEGEPs.
  • The impact of these spaces on student training and professionalization.
  • The interactions between student exhibitions and professional exhibitions.

Perspectives and Outcomes

Thanks to this project, a better understanding of the pedagogical issues related to exhibition spaces has emerged. This study paves the way for reflections on the improvement of infrastructure and exhibition practices in an educational context. For my part, this experience strengthened my interest in museology and artistic education, allowing me to deepen my reflection on cultural mediation in the school environment.