Care has become a trend in the art field, but much of the recent curatorial focus seems to be limited to symbolic gestures through exhibitions and public programming. These efforts, however, have led to few (infra)structural changes. The need remains for bringing about fair working conditions, gender equity, and support structures for caregivers and care-receivers. In response, Sascia Bailer redefines »curatorial care« as an infrastructural practice grounded in feminist care ethics that provides »care for presence« for diverse audiences. Drawing from socially engaged curatorial and artistic practices, she offers hands-on propositions for constructing caring infrastructures and provides a micro-political roadmap for curating with care.

»A must-read for anyone who wants to understand art, nursing and motherhood as transformative forces!«

»Sascia Bailer asks how care can truly be practiced in curatorial work. She critiques the ›care trend‹ in exhibitions and programs as often superficial – and develops concrete, feminist strategies for fair working conditions, gender equity, and real support for caregivers. The book not only offers sharp analysis but also practical tools and visions for building caring infrastructures.«

»In this cleverly conceived book, which draws on a wealth of experience as a committed mediator in exchanges with female artists and cultural actors, the author combines the tasks of curating with gender issues and a feminist care approach. It contains both theoretical positions based on profound knowledge and very practical advice on overcoming un-caring infrastructures that perpetuate existing power relations in the art world. […] With her work, Sascia Bailer makes a valuable contribution at the intersection of care, gender and feminist ethics.« (übersetzt aus dem Deutschen)

»Bailer's book goes beyond the problem of representation. It can be read as a sharp institutional critique of the art world. She shows how cultural institutions like to talk about inclusivity and care, but shy away from structural internal changes. It can be read as a sharp institutional critique of the art world. She shows how cultural institutions like to talk about inclusivity and care, but shy away from structural internal changes.« 

»A must-read for anyone who wants to understand art, nursing and motherhood as transformative forces!«

Besprochen in:

Boekman, 37 (2025)