Meet the 2023 Curators | British Council

Meet the 2023 British Pavilion Curatorial Team

The curatorial team’s vision for Dancing Before the Moon was to recognise and uphold the objects and rituals of diaspora communities in the architectural space, while elevating the hands and voices that made them. They selected six UK artists to create an exhibition that gives audiences a chance to imagine different futures – where collaboration, experimentation and equity are prioritised in the planning of space in the UK.

Six UK artists were selected to create an exhibition that gives audiences a chance to imagine different futures – where collaboration, experimentation and equity are prioritised in the planning of space in the UK.

Learn more from the video playlist below as curator Joseph Henry highlights the need to consider rituals in the designing of built space, curator Meneesha Kellay explains the inspiration for this year's exhibition title, curator Jayden Ali explains how this year's exhibition showcases a more diverse British architectural talent and curator Simitra Upham describes how rituals are explored through the different components of the exhibition.

'A space for rethinking the role that people play in shaping the built environment."

About the curators

Jayden Ali

Jayden Ali is Founding Director of JA Projects, Senior Lecturer at Central Saint Martins and a Design Advocate for the Mayor of London. He has been recognised by numerous publications as a key voice shaping the life of cities and is on the Architects’ Journal’s prestigious ‘40 Under 40’ list.

Joseph Henry

Joseph Henry works for the Mayor of London in Culture & Creative Industries Unit and advocates for a more equitable built environment through design, urbanism and curation. Also co-founder of Sound Advice to explore new forms of spatial practice through music.

Meneesha Kellay

Meneesha Kellay is a curator and commissioner working across art, architecture, design, and performance. Currently Senior Curator, Contemporary Programmes at the Victoria and Albert Museum, a steering committee member for Design Can and a key advocate of the V&A’s anti-racism efforts.

Sumitra Upham

Sumitra Upham is a curator and writer interested in spatial and discursive practices and the social value of making. Currently Head of Programmes at the Crafts Council, she oversees its contemporary craft collection and an interdisciplinary programme of exhibitions and events.

'A space for rethinking the role that people play in shaping the built environment'
2023 Curatorial Team

Visual identity: TEMPLO