Exhibition Story Telling Workshop with Cara-Ann Simpson
About
Exhibition Story Telling Workshopwith Cara-Ann Simpson
An intensive guide to developing and presenting a cohesive exhibition
DATE: Saturday 19 September 2026
VENUE: Murilla Room, Dogwood Crossing, Miles
TIME: 9:00am to 3:00pm
COST: $ (lunch, tea and coffee will be provided)
Suitable for ages 14+
Develop the story that connects your work.
This intensive, hands-on workshop supports practising artists to develop a clear, cohesive and engaging exhibition.
Designed primarily for artists developing a solo exhibition, the workshop is suitable for participants who already have a body of work, are actively creating one, or have an exhibition idea they want to investigate. Many of the principles are also transferable to group exhibitions.
Artist, curator and educator Cara-Ann Simpson will guide participants through the process of identifying the ideas, motivations and relationships that connect their work. You will explore how language, artwork selection, audience awareness, interpretation and exhibition layout can work together to communicate a strong exhibition story.
Through guided discussion, practical exercises and individual worksheets, the workshop will cover:
- developing a creative practice lexicon
- identifying the purpose and scope of an exhibition
- refining a key exhibition concept, themes and messages
- defining and understanding your target audience
- selecting and grouping artworks to strengthen the exhibition story
- considering interpretation, supporting content and accessibility
- developing an exhibition rationale
- planning exhibition layout, visitor pathways and practical installation requirements
Participants will receive a comprehensive handbook containing workshop exercises, take-home activities, practical guidance and further resources.
The program also includes a short artist talk and guided tour of Cara-Ann Simpson’s touring exhibition, Furari Flores (Stealing Flowers).
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for practising artists who:
- have an existing or developing body of work
- are planning, proposing or considering an exhibition
- want to understand the ideas connecting their work
- want to communicate their practice and exhibition more clearly
- would like practical guidance in artwork selection, interpretation, layout and exhibition planning
Participants do not need to arrive with a fully resolved exhibition proposal. An initial idea, emerging body of work or collection of existing artworks is enough to begin.
What to bring;
- An idea for an exhibition, whether preliminary or developed
- Images of artworks you are considering, either printed or on a phone, tablet or laptop
- Pens, highlighters or coloured pencils
- Notepaper
What is provided;
- A one-day intensive workshop
- A comprehensive exhibition-development handbook
- Guided worksheets and practical activities
- Take-home exercises, tips and professional resources
- A short artist talk and guided tour of Furari Flores (Stealing Flowers)
- Lunch, tea and coffee
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
About the facilitator;
Cara-Ann Simpson is an artist, curator, cultural heritage professional and consultant whose experience spans the arts, culture, heritage, tourism, festivals and land management. Her multidisciplinary creative practice encompasses digital media, photography, sound, olfaction, sculpture and immersive installation, with a particular focus on land, environment and sensory experience.
Cara-Ann has held curatorial and leadership positions at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, Cruden Farm, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), Electrofringe and Bundoora Homestead Art Centre. She has also delivered professional-development and consultancy services independently and through Flying Arts Alliance.
Her achievements include the Heysen Prize for Landscape in 2022 and the University of Southern Queensland Young Alumnus of the Year Award in 2017. Her work has been presented in Australia and internationally, and is held in public and private collections.
This workshop is presented as a public program accompanying the touring exhibition Furari Flores (Stealing Flowers). The project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Image: cara-Ann Simpson with her 'Furari Flores' exhibition
Image credit: David Martinelli - DC Imaging 2024
Date
Saturday 19 September 2026 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (UTC+10)Location
Dogwood Crossing, Miles
81 Murilla Street, Miles Queensland 4415
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Exhibition Story Telling Workshop with Cara-Ann Simpson
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