Andrew PEARCE. Moth, 2011. digital photographic print on photographic paper. (MAMA collection).
Opening this September, Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) welcomes a new director at its helm. Jacqui Hemsley comes with several years’ experience working in regional arts organisations in New Zealand and Australia. Referring to the gallery space, Hemsley said MAMA ‘is the metamorphosis of the Albury Regional Art Gallery, which has been our regional gallery here in Albury since the 1980s.’
Hemsley said she wants MAMA to be one of the most modern, cutting edge gallery spaces in regional Australia.
‘MAMA is a contemporary art space, with all the elements needed to host large installations, hang large paintings and present new technology.’
Explaining that it was the audience that guided the new direction of the gallery, Hemsley said, ‘We’ve gone back to looking at our audiences, and found that it’s really more than just the art, it’s actually that whole experience.Art is part of the reason they are here.
You can’t just open up a gallery, have visitors walk up five steps and it’s dark, smells a bit damp and there’s a volunteer going, “Hey! How are you going?” You’ve actually got to be able to provide an all-round, exciting, engaging experience to people – and that’s challenging, yet rewarding,’ she added.
Hemsley said that contemporary art and excellence doesn’t mean one has to take themselves that seriously.
‘MAMA will inspire, educate and encourage new and repeat audiences to experience art and culture.’
Apart from the ten gallery spaces being offered at MAMA, the gallery also has “Art by accident”, which are little triggers, both inside and outside.
‘They are mini narratives; like a tiny cupboard, peepholes, little spaces that are specifically aimed at young people and we don’t promote them, they are to be found.
‘By looking out past the gallery walls, MAMA will integrate with QEII Square, Albury’s CBD through playful, dynamic, changing public art and ongoing place creation programs. We want people to feel excited before they walk in her doors.’
Hemsley said that regional galleries needed to push all the boundaries in terms of the experience of the visitors. She believes that when it comes to taking risks and having fun, regional galleries have it the best.
‘Regional galleries provide excellent opportunities for some experimental art. And in a regional setting you can take some risks like that and explore new ideas.‘It’s good for growth, anyway, and there have been some successful stories that highlight cultural development as well,’ she said.
