Fremantle Arts Centre is on the precipice of an exciting new creative era with the appointment of nationally celebrated curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington to the role of Curator Visual Arts.
Renowned for his deep respect and curiosity for artists, Glenn – a Nhanda and Nyoongar man – brings 15 years’ experience working with First Nations artists across Australia and has held positions across state galleries and museums developing collections, exhibitions and engagement frameworks nationally and abroad.
Prior to founding his own arts consultancy, GEE Consultancy, Glenn held curatorial roles at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA Museum Boola Bardip and the South Australian Museum. Glenn’s most recent curatorial undertaking was the exhibition nyinalanginy | the gathering at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, presented in partnership with the Perth Festival.
Chosen following a highly competitive national selection process, FAC Director Anna Reece said Glenn 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,” she said.
“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.”
Glenn is looking forward to joining FAC full time having worked alongside the team in varying capacities for many years, most recently as a member of the Revealed Advisory Group.
“I’ve always admired FAC’s engagement with audiences, its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and its overt and unwavering focus on platforming Western Australian stories, art and culture,” Glenn said.
“Under the leadership of Director Anna Reece, and with continued support from the City of Fremantle, we have a unique moment to reflect on the organisation’s positioning and purpose, and to redefine FAC’s mission and role within the local and national arts communities.
“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.
“FAC has always made itself a safe place for artists, ideas and discourse, and 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 underserviced artistic communities and audiences.”
Glenn will commence as FAC’s Curator Visual Arts in June.