The document discusses the definition of "the public" and how it is shaped by public spaces. It notes that different groups, such as sexual and racial minorities, youth, elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged, may not feel represented by the dominant definition of public promoted by cultural institutions. The author questions which definition of humanity and which specific public different organizations aim to engage or speak to through their curation and exhibitions.

1. WhatisthePublic?
Justine Hanrahan

2. ThePublicisdefinedbypublicspace
It is in public spaces that the public becomes “the public.”
The purpose of art is to innovatively engage, challenge, and reflect the
public. In this way, the curator must understand how the collection interacts
with the public.

3. Curation
should
reflect a
public.

4. DOminantPublic
Sexual Minorities
Racial Minorities
Political Minorities
Religious Minorities
The Economically Underprivileged
The Uneducated
The Young
The Elderly
Traditional definition of “public” by dominant cultural institutions expressed
through opinions in the organization and presentation of popular exhibitions.
The Mentally Disabled
The Physically Disabled

5. ●WhichIdeaof
Humanityarewe
Speakingof?
●WHatPublicarewe
Speakingto?