7/4/03
The Art Gallery of Western Australia's Curator of Contemporary Art, Trevor Smith, will leave Perth to take up a post at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York.
Beginning at the New Museum on May 1, Mr Smith will develop and produce both group and solo exhibitions for the museum's main galleries and Zenith Media Lounge and act as supervisory editor for accompanying publications, as well as lead the development of a new collecting policy.
Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale said it was no surprise that international galleries were interested in curators from the Art Gallery of WA.
"It is a testament to the great depth of talent at the Art Gallery of WA," Ms McHale said.
"Trevor's appointment to one of New York's leading contemporary galleries is a great achievement and will further develop important avenues for cultural exchange between our two cities.
"Trevor has been an integral part of the curatorial team at the Art Gallery of WA since he joined the gallery in 1997 and his contribution is evident by the innovative exhibition programs he has produced."
Mr Smith received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and has lived and worked in Australia for the past 10 years. His previous professional experience includes positions as director of the Canberra Contemporary Art Space (1994-1997), site manager of the Biennale of Sydney (1992-1993) and curatorial assistant at the Mackenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Canada (1990-1992).
Mr Smith has curated dozens of exhibitions in Australia and internationally, including the Australian representation at the XXV Biennale de Sao Paulo (2002); The Divine Comedy: Francisco Goya; William Kentridge, Buster Keaton (2002); Robert MacPherson (2001); home (2000); and Archives and the Everyday (1997).
Also an accomplished author, Mr Smith has produced numerous exhibition catalogue essays and has written for art publications including Art Monthly Australia, Canadian Art, Artlink, World Art and Parkett.
Mr Smith said he would take much of what he had learned from the Art Gallery of WA to his new position.
"During the last six years, one of the great things about the Art Gallery of WA has been its willingness to take intellectual risks and to show contemporary art in its many manifestations at a high level of intensity," he said.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
