Director chosen to lead new art gallery at Goldsmiths
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Sarah McCrory has been appointed Director of the new contemporary art gallery at Goldsmiths, University of London.
McCrory joins Goldsmiths from Glasgow International, Scotland’s best-known art festival, and is a former curator of Frieze Projects and Film.
The public venue at the heart of Goldsmiths’ south London campus will host a world-class programme of exhibitions, residencies and projects by leading professional artists. It is expected to host its first public exhibition in Spring 2018.
Building work is currently underway on the 1,000m2 gallery, designed by Turner Prize-winning collective Assemble, around the Grade II-listed Laurie Grove Baths and the building’s derelict Victorian water tanks.
McCrory takes up the post of gallery Director, assuming operational responsibility for management of the gallery, including developing an innovative programme of exhibitions, commissions and residencies and building upon its already successful fundraising campaign.
The new Director said: "I’m honoured and thrilled to be appointed Director of the new gallery at Goldsmiths. At a time when cuts and closures threaten our cultural institutions, the opening of a new gallery as part of a university with such a rich artistic history is an exciting and encouraging occasion.
This new gallery will become a vital research tool, a place for innovative new commissions, presentations of historical positions and reflections on our challenging and rapidly changing times.
“I look forward to drawing upon the wealth of excellence across the university and its research departments - to work with artists to create a gallery with both an international reputation, as well as an important place for both students and local audiences in south London.”
McCrory moved to Scotland in 2012 to direct Glasgow International 2014 and 2016. Under her leadership the festival has developed into one of the world’s leading international arts festivals, known for its dynamism and innovative programming.
Featuring new commissions and works by established and underrepresented artists, as well as incorporating projects from across the city, it highlights the wealth of creative talent that Glasgow has to offer.
McCrory was formerly curator of Frieze Projects and Film, producing works with over 40 artists across three editions; co-curator of Studio Voltaire, London, curator of project space ‘Swallow Street’ and ‘Arts & Jobs’; curator of ‘Publish and Be Damned’; and Assistant Director of Vilma Gold, London.
She was on the panel for the selection of the 2017 British Pavilion for the Venice Biennale and the 2014 Turner Prize and is currently a board member and founder of independent art school Open School East, and curator of Monteverdi Gallery in Tuscany.
McCrory studied BA Fine Art at Kingston University and MA Curating Contemporary Art at the Royal College of Art.
Richard Noble, Head of the Department of Art at Goldsmiths, adds: “We are absolutely delighted that Sarah McCrory is joining the gallery as Director. Her distinctive curatorial vision and her extensive practical experience as Director of Glasgow International make her uniquely qualified for this challenging and exciting new position.
"We are confident Sarah will build Goldsmiths’ gallery into one of the most distinctive and influential contemporary art spaces in the UK.”