Two new members with strong museum and gallery experience were elected to Modern Art Projects Blue Mountains (MAPBM) on November 28.
MAPBM is a not-for-profit incorporated association that supports and advocates for the development, production and exhibition of contemporary, multi-form art in the Blue Mountains.
Sheona White, who is the new MAPBM Vice-President, joins the committee with over 25 years' gallery/museum experience. Ms White has held senior curatorial programming positions in regional, state, and national cultural institutions, developing and initiating key programs in many institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Penrith Regional Gallery Home of the Lewers Bequest, City of Sydney Libraries, and Wollongong City Gallery.
Also joining the committee as a member is Diana Robson, who has more than 20 years' experience in the areas of visual arts curating, creative programming and arts management, predominantly in the NSW regional gallery sector. From 2000-2007 Ms Robson held the position of Curator, Exhibitions and Collection at Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, and since then has held a number of positions at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, including curator and director.
Rejoining the committee is artist Vivienne Dadour. MAPBM president Fiona Davies, treasurer Beata Geyer, secretary Alex Gooding and committee member Rebecca Waterstone were all re-elected.
All candidates for the committee were elected unopposed. After the election the MAPBM president thanked outgoing Committee Members Linda Adair and Wendy Carlson, as well as Ian Milliss who is standing down as vice-president after four years on the committee.
"I would like to thank Linda and Wendy for their support, and in particular Ian whose contribution to the organisation as vice president has been invaluable," said Ms Davies.
"I also want to welcome Sheona White and Diana Robson to the Committee, and to welcome back Vivienne Dadour.
"Sheona and Diana are both gifted and experienced curators, programmers and managers who will bring an amazing depth of knowledge and expertise to MAPBM. We are very lucky to have them on board."
Both new committee members are enthusiastic about joining the MAPBM committee.
"I believe art has the capacity to prompt us to feel and think differently, to expand and deepen our thoughts and emotions," said Ms White.
"This is especially crucial currently when innovative thinking is needed to address many contemporary issues in our lives."
Ms White's comments were echoed by Ms Robson.
"I am most excited about the opportunities to collaborate with like-minded creatives, to develop projects that challenge, engage, inspire and shape the cultural landscape here in the in the Mountains and beyond," she said.
The MAPBM President also outlined to the meeting how, despite COVID restrictions, the organisation had succeeded in running five major exhibitions and programs during the previous financial year and had also attracted substantial funding for two multi-day projects in 2022. Membership has also increased, and the organisation is exploring how to devolve the development of exhibitions and programs throughout the membership.
"Despite what has been one of the most challenging years ever for cultural and community-based organisations, MAPBM has not only continued to operate but also to expand its range of activities. I would like to thank all MAPBM members for their participation and support," said Ms Davies.
"We have an exciting program for next year and hopefully we can look forward to a brighter 2022 in which to bring these great projects to fruition."