Risk Assessment Template: Exhibitions

Exhibition Statement

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What is the exhibition about? What are the themes and concepts addressed by the artist/s?

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Is there more information available on the exhibition? Please list, including any links.

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Statement on each work

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Risk Assessment Template: Artworks

This is ideally used during the development of an exhibition with the curator, providing the details necessary. In some cases, it may help inform the curatorship of an exhibition.

Artwork title	The title itself may be deemed to be contentious if swearing or aggressive statements are included, for example.
Artwork date, medium and dimensions	The date, medium and dimensions can also give rise for concern. For example, if the work contains human or animal excrement, blood or urine.
Artist	Does the artist already have a history of controversy? Are they a household name or regarded in the media as controversial?
Lender	This may be relevant if the work is on loan from a major institution or a collector
Key details about the work/subject of the work	Type text here
Key details about the artist	Include details about the artist’s training, background that may give more information or indication of their motivation and direction
Assessment Questions	Responses	Mitigation
It is important to question and be familiar with the content of each work, the nature of the themes and concepts of the exhibition and the artists included in an exhibition prior its opening at your gallery or museum. The following questions can be used as a prompt to identify potential issues.	In attempting to answer these questions you can consider the artist statements and seek further information from curator/s, the artist’s themselves, touring agencies, partners or conduct further research yourself. By considering each work against these criteria you will be able to identify potentially controversial works (or artists).	Identify an appropriate response to minimise potential negative outcomes.
Consider what some audience members might have to say about this work, potentially react to? Describe elements	Type text here	Type text here
Is the work culturally insensitive?	Type text here	Type text here
Is there cultural appropriation? Does the work draw from cultures other than the artist's own? If so, to what extent? What is the background of the artist? What does their artist statement reveal about this approach? What is the curator’s thoughts on the appropriateness of the work? Should a cultural advisor be appointed to provide recommendations? Should consultation occur with local cultural groups to determine appropriateness, such as local Elders?	Type text here	Type text here
Is there an inherently unknown aspect to the work that requires controls or an independent consultant to confirm the work presents no risk?	Type text here	Type text here
Does it comply with Australia Council's Protocols for Child Safety, First Nations Protocols?	Type text here	Type text here
Does it present views which may be perceived racist, homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, sexist? If so, what is your organisation’s position on presenting these views? Are these viewpoints intended for critique and more nuanced than outright celebration/endorsement?	Type text here	Type text here
Does it concern religion?	Type text here	Type text here
Does it concern ANZACs or current or previous members of the Australian Defence Force?	Type text here	Type text here
Does the work contain nudity or sexual references?	Type text here	Type text here
Does the work depict graphic violence or contain scenes that may inspire violence?	Type text here	Type text here
Does the work contain material that could trigger trauma experiences or psychologically impact visitors? i.e. war, rape, torture, suicide	Type text here	Type text here
Does the work contain swearing?	Type text here	Type text here
Are there copyright issues inherent in the work, that need to be cleared? This may be especially relevant for video works involving sound, or works featuring company logos.	Type text here	Type text here
Can people in a wheelchair experience the work?	Type text here	Type text here
Could people with sensory sensitivities have an adverse reaction to the work?	Type text here	Type text here
Does the work involve performance and physical aspects that need control measures? i.e. physical exertion, disengagement with healthy lifestyle practices	Type text here	Type text here
Does the artwork pose a physical risk or potential impact to audiences? i.e. flashing lights/epilepsy, electrical currents/pacemakers, enclosed or dark spaces, VR headset safety etc.	Type text here	Type text here
Is the artist gaining negative attention in either traditional media or social media for their behaviours/personal life?	Type text here	Type text here
Does the artist statement outline rationale for any of the identified concerns?	Type text here	Type text here

Please note, the content in this document is for the purposes of guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different and requires its own unique process.