"The Future of Curatorial Governance in an Upheaved World"

"The Future of Curatorial Governance in an Upheaved World"

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the way we make decisions has undergone a significant transformation. With the advent of the internet and social media, our choices and opinions have become increasingly binary, often stripped of the nuance and subtlety that are crucial in assessing the longer-term value of a work. This phenomenon, known as cognitive ease and hardwired psychology, has led to a reductionist approach to decision-making, where in-groups and outgroups dominate our thinking.

However, when it comes to evaluating the worth of a cultural object, such as a piece of artwork or a literary work, this binary mindset falls short. The wisdom of the crowd, which relies on the collective judgment of individuals, is prone to biases that can distort the true value of an object. Three of these biases are particularly influential: information cascades, binary/directional voting, and misaligned incentives.

Information cascades occur when individuals base their decisions on the opinions and actions of others, rather than independent judgment. In the realm of social media, where first mover opinions and influencers hold significant sway, this can lead to a distorted perception of an object's value. Similarly, binary/directional voting, where individuals are forced to choose between two options, oversimplifies the complexity of evaluating cultural objects.

Misaligned incentives also play a role in distorting the wisdom of the crowd. In a free-market system, the default values of the market can lead to the prioritization of short-term gains over long-term value. This can result in the undervaluation of cultural objects in the present, with their true worth only being recognized in the future.

To address these challenges, a new approach to decision-making and evaluation is needed. Enter curatorial governance. Curating, as described by renowned contemporary curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, is about "junction-making" - connecting the past, present, and future. The curator acts as someone who insists on value, making it exist even if it is not immediately apparent.

In this context, curatorial governance can be seen as the act of realizing the longer-term value of a cultural object in the short-term, closing the gap between its current undervaluation and its potential for higher value in the future. It involves a deliberate and thoughtful approach to decision-making, one that takes into account the complexity and nuance of cultural objects.

So how can we incorporate the principles of curatorial governance into our decision-making processes? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Seek diverse perspectives: Instead of relying solely on the opinions of influencers or the first movers, actively seek out a variety of perspectives. Engage in discussions with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. This diversity of viewpoints can help uncover the hidden value in cultural objects and challenge the binary thinking that often dominates decision-making.

2. Embrace constructive criticism: Constructive criticism plays a crucial role in curatorial governance. By encouraging thoughtful feedback and engaging in open dialogue, we can uncover new insights and perspectives that may have been overlooked. This requires creating a safe and respectful space for criticism, where ideas can be challenged without fear of personal attacks.

3. Think long-term: In a world that often prioritizes short-term gains, it is essential to embrace a long-term perspective. Consider the potential future value of a cultural object, even if it is not immediately evident. This requires moving beyond the default values of the market and recognizing that true worth can sometimes take time to be fully realized.

In conclusion, curatorial governance offers a fresh perspective on decision-making and evaluation in an increasingly binary and fast-paced world. By embracing the principles of curating, we can bridge the gap between the undervaluation of cultural objects today and their potential for higher value tomorrow. By seeking diverse perspectives, embracing constructive criticism, and thinking long-term, we can ensure a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to decision-making. Through curatorial governance, we can navigate the upheaval of our world and preserve the value of our cultural heritage for future generations.