A Complex Art of Logistics

This article considers the nature of creative work in UK art institutions through the analysis of three distinctive artistic projects: the 1951 Festival of Britain, Artist Placement Group (APG) (1966 – c. 1980) and the Arts and Crafts Movement (c. 1860–1900). Within each example, I first offer a critical reading of their recent appropriation, thus demonstrating the limits of the cultural institutions in which they are enlisted. Second, I consider which aspects have been undervalued in these revivals. In each instance, the combination of these two readings provides provocative possibilities for reviewing current understandings of creative work and collaboration in the public cultural institution.