Art Gallery officers awarded sought-after overseas placements

Published on 29 April 2020

Art Gallery officers awarded sought-after overseas placements

When the world returns to post coronavirus normality, two Rockhampton Art Gallery officers will head overseas, after being awarded two-week international placements.

Public Programs Officer Natalie Parker has been awarded an internship with the Barbican in the UK and Curatorial Assistant Madeline Brewer has secured a curatorial residency with Easttopics, an eastern European art network.

Funded by the Gordon Darling Foundation, Natalie’s internship is with the Creative Learning Department of The Barbican, of one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions. The internship will build on her existing research with a variety of Australian galleries into how centres handle programing, ticketing and engaging with their audiences.

Natalie said that the Barbican is a world-class arts and learning organisation, which pushes the boundaries of all major art forms.

“Its Creative Learning programme supports people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their creative voices though workshops and events. I am excited to explore the Barbican’s practice and use this to develop learning and engagement opportunities at Rockhampton Museum of Art.

“Like most cultural institutions around the world, currently the Barbican is closed due to Covid-19. It is a shame that I won’t get to go this year, but we have postponed my two-week placement until early 2021 and I am still very excited and grateful for the opportunity,” she said.

Madeline Brewer was to be working with Easttopics at their locations in Budapest, Hungary and Bratislava, Slovakia this month, however the residency has been postponed until later this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like Natalie, I am disappointed my residency has been postponed, however, being digitally connected and knowing that this opportunity is on the horizon is a good feeling.” Madeline said.

Madeline said the she feels that one of the reasons she may have been successful in her application was her experience working in a regional gallery.

“I am excited to share my knowledge about engaging smaller communities. Art has always been present and found a way to survive. This residency will now be a good opportunity to learn how art spaces can remain adaptable and continue to represent regional artists and the wider community.”

Rockhampton Regional Council CEO Evan Pardon congratulated Natalie and Madeline on their placements.

“The insights that Natalie and Madeline will bring back with them will be of immense benefit here in Rockhampton Region as we head towards the opening of the Rockhampton Museum of Art,” he said.

“The information and knowledge they can take away from their trips will give us some great insight into different ways we can engage our communities and get them involved and feel like they have some ownership of the Rockhampton Museum of Art,” he said.

Rockhampton Art Gallery is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.

PHOTO: Natalie Parker and Madeline Brewer

(Photograph taken before social distancing regulations came into effect)