Rodrigo Orrantia

I started my AMA journey over lockdown so I had some time to properly review my skills, and pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.

Working with my mentor, I realised I could develop my creative writing skills, and that this would have a very positive impact on my work, from producing reports through to writing funding applications and exhibition content and interpretation.

Although I have been writing academically for many years, the prospect of developing my creative writing skills became an exciting part of my year one AMA activities.

I applied to the Members Support Fund to cover the cost of a creative writing workshop, which I planned to take over Zoom through the lockdown/working from home period.

I was awarded the funding and went through the workshop at CityLit, all completed virtually. As I was on furlough during that time, I had more time to concentrate on developing my writing skills.

For my final piece of writing for the workshop I wrote the curatorial script for an exhibition project I’d be excited to develop, thinking about the AMA final project. This task allowed me to apply the experience of the workshop with a very practical aim within my AMA and my work. I shared this project with different colleagues and contacts in the sector, as well as presenting it to an open call, where it received a special commendation.

From these initial conversations I was invited to develop the project idea for the next edition of the London Art Fair, as guest curator for their Photo 50 Section.

I am very grateful to the Museums Association for the grant, as it sparked a very positive chain of events leading to this exhibition in 2022.

Discussing the progress with my mentor, I am excited with the prospect of presenting this project as my AMA final year project.