News

Artlink magazine's 'Hyphen' issue published

Of the many genuinely special outcomes to emerge from the National Young Writers Program that I’ve been leading at the National Gallery of Australia for the last couple of years, this latest issue of Artlink magazine has to be one of the proudest.

Artlink has been publishing thematic issues dedicating to contemporary art practice across Australia and the Asia-Pacific for over four decades. It’s a rigorous, provocative, thoughtful publication that has long championed emerging and early career writers. I should know. My first by-line was a review for Artlink over 20 years ago (a Very Cringe Read all these years later, but still.)

Having Artlink Editor Una Rey and Assistant Editor Belinda Howden join the National Young Writers Program this year - with Artlink as official Publishing Partner - has brought another level of rigour, context, professionalism and care to the program. Their faith (in me, the program, the participants) to offer up their Summer issue to three program alumni to guest-edit as part of a paid professional development mentorship has been such a huge undertaking.

Back in July, Claire Osborn-Li, Ava Lacoon and Hen Vaughan were selected as guest editors and they’ve been working with Una and Belinda over the last five months to conceive, commission, edit and deliver their issue, Hyphen. It is now officially out in the world…

I feel very proud of them and very proud to have contributed an essay to this issue. “The Museum As A Cowboy Place” is my rethinking of the critical role of youth programs and young people to museums in the wake of MCA Australia quietly shuttering their Young Creatives programs earlier this year, including GENEXT, the Youth Committee and Young Guides.

The museums might be struggling (and/or getting it wrong) but if Hyphen and its guest editors and other young writers are any measure of things to come, the future feels salvage-able/possible/bright?….

You can order a hardcopy and/or buy a digital version of Hyphen via the Artlink website here. Please support the magazine and these writers. And if you want a taste - Claire, Ava and Hen’s editorial is available to read free here.


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Biennale of Sydney opening & publication

Last December I joined the Biennale of Sydney team as their Publications Editor and it’s been a mad couple of months working to get the catalogue across the line in time for the opening week. I’ve absolutely loved being part of this small, incredibly dedicated team and seeing this 24th edition come into being.

White Bay Power Station is truly something to behold and is such an addition to the cultural landscape of Sydney. It’s going to be fascinating to watch it evolve as a site.

I’m looking forward to finding some time to step back and appreciate it all.


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Publication day! Museum Teen Program How-To Kit

IT’S HERE!

The Museum Teen Program How-To-Kit by the Walker Art Center has been published, which includes my essay “Heartbreakers and Troublemakers: How to Navigate, Embrace & Ultimately Survive Disruption.”

This has been such a long-time coming but I’m so proud to be part of the publication and to have had the opportunity to learn from such extraordinary humans and educators as Nisa Mackie and Simona Zappas. 

A full, free PDF of the book will be available later in the year.

You can read more about the book here.


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