One of Australia’s most renowned artistic leaders will be taking the reins as Townsville City Council’s new galleries director.
Dr Holly Arden will take on the top arts job at Council following successful roles running and coordinating galleries, community arts programs and public art spaces in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Dr Arden said she was excited by the opportunity to help contribute to Townsville’s art scene.
“Townsville already has a great reputation as a top arts hub with the opportunity for further growth,” Dr Arden said.
“The potential is one of the exciting things about this role and I’m looking forward to working with international and national artists, as well as local ones.
“North Queensland art always has a fascinating story to tell and is truly something unique and I look forward to being able to help showcase and promote that at both Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery at Riverway.”
Council’s galleries director will curate and program exhibitions across the multiple gallery and exhibition spaces while leading the Galleries team. This includes bringing significant exhibitions to the city while showcasing the extensive and important City of Townsville Art Collection and Art in Public Spaces Collection.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said Townsville has a very strong and passionate arts community.
“Council is known for its support of the arts through ways like running and maintaining the two galleries, its support of the Regional Arts Development Fund, street art, Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures, Civic Theatre and more,” Cr Greaney said.
“Council has shown it is a passionate advocate for growing the arts and making it accessible for everyone in the community to enjoy.
“I am looking forward to seeing Holly and her team continuing that vision and further reinforcing Townsville’s reputation as the arts capital of northern Australia.”
