Brushing Up with Fabiola R. Delgado, Independent Curator and Creative Producer

Navigating the world of art curation and creative production may seem glamorous from a distance, with curators gaining recognition akin to rockstars for their influence in shaping the art landscape. However, the reality is often grounded in meticulous behind-the-scenes work. Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the world of a seasoned art curator, Fabiola R. Delgado, someone who thrives on the foundational simplicity of building relationships. Recently launching a blog, “The Art Pusher,” she unveils the intricacies of her profession, shedding light on the joy found in connecting with artists, communities, and institutions. Join us as we explore the uncharted territory that lies behind the art scenes.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

“Being an art curator or creative producer may seem more glamorous than it really is. Lately, curators have been gaining recognition (rightfully so!), with some attaining a kind of rockstar status due to their influence in shaping and defining the trajectory of art. However, the reality is that much of our work remains behind the scenes. To cultivate a vibrant art scene, there’s a lot of groundwork that goes unnoticed but is essential. There’s SO MUCH RESEARCH, exhibit planning, budgeting, art interpretation, public engagement… But the foundation is refreshingly simple: building relationships.”

🌟What is one way arts leaders can enhance their impact?

“I think generosity goes a long way. Sharing ideas, initiatives, resources, connections, etc. not only fosters collaboration, but also creates a more interconnected and supportive arts community. It’s a shame when we become so protective and territorial (though I understand why sometimes we might need to!). There might be a fear of someone else stealing our ideas, or replacing us in some way, but this inclination can and will limit our potential. We really miss out on so much by not being generous.”

💡What is the greatest need facing the arts today?

“Speaking about funding! — The arts need money, and stronger money policy. The field can’t rely only on financial support that’s driven by competitive dynamics, geography, and the preferences of a limited number of funding and donor entities. This creates an uncertainty that hinders the sustainable growth and development of the arts sector. The arts need comprehensive and strategic funding policies that encompass a more equitable distribution of resources, reduces dependency on sporadic funding cycles, and addresses systemic biases that exist in the current funding structures. Artists should be able to be artists, whatever influencing factors surround them.”

🌈Why is making art accessible important?

Accessibility can mean so many things! It could be financial, physical, language, age, cultural, digital…

Concluding Thoughts:

Whether through studio visits, gallery talks, or the modern avenues of DMs and cold emails, Fabiola’s joy emanates from the network of mutual respect and support she cultivates. Her emphasis on generosity as a means to enhance impact echoes as a call to action for arts leaders to foster collaboration and interconnectedness. The pressing need for strategic funding policies and the quest for making art accessible, especially in breaking down linguistic barriers, highlights the challenges and aspirations facing the arts today. Through her words and endeavors, Fabiola invites us to ponder the transformative power embedded within the intersection of relationships, generosity, and accessibility in the art world.