An art curators 2022 creative project predictions!

With 2021 marking the closing of yet another pandemic year, 2022 is well and truly here and is pummelling us all forward. Museums and galleries are feeling the ripple of the latest omicron wave with closures and postponements already occurring as they brace themselves for the year ahead.

But we have a one up this time - an adaptable toolbelt at the ready - digital projects continue to emerge, the NFT marketplace is bustling along, while creative cultural organisations devise innovative possibilities for this new climate of art in a covid disruptive world. If we know one thing, it is that art is a great escape and reacts to turbulent times with wit and grace. With this in mind we present some predictions and musings about the year ahead as a taster to get you excited and looking forward to the year ahead.

Art Pharmacy’s 5 Creative Art Project Predictions for 2022

1. More Immersive Art Experiences

2021 proved to be the year of immersive experiences around the globe and we can expect it to continue into the new year. Van Gough Alive Australia saw crowds roll in, alongside Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience, and Immersed in Goya, Spain Madrid.

Art was given a “permanent cyborg makeover”... with the emphasis on community post- lockdown people were craving communal transportative experiences that bled into their reality offering a slightly more vibrant surrounding that took them away from the same four walls of their home. Captivating all our senses, we expect to see more of these experiences in our cities with warehouse takeovers or pop-up exhibiting shows.

2. Art jumps into the Metaverse

With art NFTs set to change the art world forever, new creative programs focusing increasingly in the digital realm seem ever more popular. Large events have already started doing this with the Australian Open promoting NFTs for the first time in Grand Slam history. The iconic tennis tournament got behind NFTs this year with every winning shot from each of the 600 matches played corresponding to an NFT. And to run alongside, a Decentraland party where people can challenge each other for virtual prizes in the Metaverse.

We are seeing increasing opportunities for artists to become part of the digital art phenomenon such as the LUME Digital Arts Program, which calls for digital artists to submit works to showcase across the global digital art gallery event. With people and brands increasingly gravitating towards the digital, we expect to see more creative projects happening in the Metaverse or via virtual AR experiences.

3. Reviving our city through Pop Up Art Events

Covid had us all getting pretty comfortable at home but our cities and businesses are struggling. There is a huge push by governments and councils to get people back out and about, and art is a great way to make that happen.

Last year we installed five art installations in The Rocks, as part of a strategy to help draw people back into the city. The activation was a huge success and we predict others will follow in these footsteps by creating pop up art installations, exhibitions and events across the city. With governments seeing the value art can bring to reviving space and the economy, we are already seeing grants emerge for these creative projects. We predict these creative activations will be fun, participatory and placemaking focused - offering a sense of community and connection we have all missed during covid.

4. The Hybrid Museum Experience

Another thing we have all learned about covid = everything can become virtual. We predict that museums and galleries will return to opening their doors but retain a large focus on online experiences, creating a new Hybrid Museum experience.

Creative projects by these institutions will have both a physical and virtual element so no one misses out. It also means we can enjoy more from galleries around the world in ways we never have before. With a selection of Biennale’s planned over the Nation, we are excited to see the possibility of more interactive, hybrid creative experiences that will emerge in our galleries and exhibition program.

5. More Art in Public Space

Public Space proved so valuable in 2021, with a study showing that 45% of people spent more time in public spaces than before Covid-19, and 76% of people used their public parks more often.

We predict there will be a greater focus on improving these spaces - including through public programs. Expect to see more pop up outdoor cinemas, live music in parks and art trail walks through your local park or public square.

Coming into our third year living with a global pandemic, the world is itching and ready to open up, connect and encourage participation to boost our economy. These predictions for 2022 see creative projects as having a key place in our cities getting back on their feet. With a combination of virtual experiences as well as participatory pop up activations. We expect this year to be an innovative, exciting and memorable year for arts projects.

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Sources:

Jing Culture Commerce - 2022 Predictions

Arts Hub - 12 Biennale and Blockbuster Exhibitions to define 2022
Arts Hub - LUME Digital Arts Program 2022

Art Net - Gary Vaynerchuk The NFT Scenes Booster in chief is predicting carnag
Art Net - Art Themes 2021

The Art Angle Podcast 2022 Predictions