Anjuli Irene Vadera grew up between Nairobi and Berlin and is studying MA Culture, Criticism and Curation at Central Saint Martins (CSM). She is currently working on interdisciplinary curation and editorial projects.
Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself ?
I had the unique experience of growing up between Nairobi and Berlin before eventually moving to the UK. Prior to starting this course, I studied history, with a particular interest in art history. After graduating, I pursued a master’s in Sustainability and Management, which was quite different. While it taught me valuable lessons, I found myself consistently drawn back to art and culture. Eventually, I discovered this course, which allowed me to perfectly blend my diverse interests.
Why did you choose to study MA Culture, Criticism and Curation and why CSM?
I have been deeply intrigued by how artistic expression is interpreted across cultures. In many ways I see curation as a practice capable of transcending aesthetic boundaries - a tool for interweaving diverse ideas and narratives across varied cultural contexts. I chose this course at CSM because it provided a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of curatorial practices while engaging with contemporary debates in the field. I was particularly drawn to the program’s focus on reinterpreting objects and creative interventions with thoughtfulness and care, fostering mindfulness both within and beyond the arts.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
I was part of the senior editorial team for Unknown Quantities, an interdisciplinary journal published in collaboration with Central Saint Martins. This experimental publication brought together students from the MA Culture, Criticism, and Curation program and the MA Graphic Communication Design program. For Unknown Quantities 12, we delved into the theme of Lost and Found, curating thought-provoking contributions from artists, photographers, poets, designers, and architects.
What made this project rewarding was the chance to wear many hats. I was immersed in everything from shaping editorial content and developing conceptual ideas to tackling the hands-on, practical aspects of design. The process was as challenging as it was exciting, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the collaboration and the creative energy that derives from working with such a wide-ranging group of contributors.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
My key piece of advice would be to understand that this course differs from traditional curatorial programs. It adopts a more experimental and forward-thinking approach, making it distinct from conventional curation studies. The course is highly self-directed, which is perfect for proactive individuals who thrive in open-ended, flexible learning environments. It also offers a unique opportunity to refine and nurture your existing interests, allowing you to explore and expand your creative and individual pursuits.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
The highlight of my CSM experience has been the incredible people on the course. I've had the privilege of meeting and engaging with so many lovely and fascinating individuals from diverse backgrounds and places. This has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve learned so much from my coursemates.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years' time?
Looking ahead, I’m drawn to art publishing, inspired by my editorial work with UQ. I’m also still passionate about curating in a museum or gallery setting, though this course has given me a more critical lens, encouraging me to think about accessibility, sustainability and inclusivity within these spaces.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
The most important thing I’ve learned from this course is the value of patience, embracing collaboration, taking initiative and balancing curiosity with critical thinking.
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