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On my bookshelf | The Bible
Beloved Adonai on how the scripture of the New Testament anchors her co-curational practice
Beloved Adonai
Freelance consultant and Museums Association board member
I’m not going to lie, since becoming a busy adult, I’ve struggled to sit and read a book for long periods of time. Particularly museum and gallery books about co-curation and the sector as a whole. Many are way too dense and my brain sometimes loses its spot.
This sounds bad, I know, but the way I’ve developed and learned how to navigate the sector with the work I do has been from hands-on experience, observation, being open to learning and upskilling where needed, interacting with professionals and not being afraid to ask them questions.
Though I’ve struggled to sit and read a book, the one book I seem to go back to is one that has underpinned my career and my way of working – the Bible. There is a New Testament scripture that has always stood out to me and carried me through.
It is an oldie but a goodie – St Paul’s letter to the Philippians (2:4): “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
I go back to the Bible all the time – it anchors me personally and professionally in how I develop my co-curational practice – creating access for people to engage, helping them get employment, letting them know they are cared for, and caring for people in a bespoke manner within a programme or a project.
The Bible keeps me. It wrap its words around my heart and do what I can to keep it close to me. It holds me accountable and gives me the wisdom I need to do the work.