After a competitive national selection process, Fremantle Arts Centre has announced nationally celebrated curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington as its next Curator Visual Art, setting a course for a new creative era. The move comes following the departure of the previous curator, Ric Spencer, in August last year, with Erin Coates acting in the role since. A Nhanda and Nyoongar man, Iseger-Pilkington brings 15 years experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across Australia. He has spent the last few years running his own successful arts business, GEE Consultancy, and prior to that held curatorial roles at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA Museum Boola Bardip and the South Australian Museum. His most recent curatorial undertaking was the exhibition nyinalanginy | the gathering at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts earlier this year, presented in partnership with the Perth Festival. The exhibition and Iseger-Pilkington featured in the March/April edition of the Artist’s Chronicle with an interview by Annette Peterson.
Renowned for his deep respect and curiosity for artists, Iseger-Pilkington says he is looking forward to working with newly appointed FAC Director Anna Reece to shape the organisation’s ambitious and inspiring next chapter. “Curatorially I am interested in the power of truth-telling and in employing exhibition-making to reveal place-based narrative, and narrative of the people who navigate these spaces – stories of Walyalup, Boorloo and greater Western Australia. In telling these stories we highlight our difference, our nuance, but importantly, we explore our shared humanity, and all that connects us to each other.”
He says FAC has always made itself a safe place for artists, ideas and discourse. “I am looking forward to continuing this work with the team, delivering a program of meaningful opportunities that support artistic excellence, encourage experimentation, bolster artistic careers and create space for under-serviced artistic communities and audiences.”
FAC Director Anna Reece, who began her tenure in March this year, says Iseger-Pilkington stood out for his bold approach and sophisticated values-led creative ethos which aligns with Fremantle Arts Centre’s purpose. “Glenn steps into the role of Curator Visual Arts embracing a multiplicity of artists, cultures and disciplines, His knowledge of and commitment to his local community is exceptional. His vision is ambitious and inspiring, and he will without a doubt contribute powerfully to the next chapter of Fremantle Arts Centre.”
Iseger-Pilkington commences his role at FAC in June.
