Mosman Art Gallery’s new director Steven Alderton invites everyone to visit
When it comes to art, Mosman Art Gallery’s director Steven Alderton says you must know your audience.
“When you’re running a gallery, your job is to understand your audience; who’s coming and why, and what people are interested in,” Steven tells NL. “Our job is to make art accessible, and I always see myself and the gallery as the front door to art. If you’re interested in art – come and see us.”
Steven took over the role of gallery director in May from John Cheeseman, who retired in February after 15 years of service. Steven was also appointed as Mosman Council’s manager of cultural services – the gallery was established by the council in 1998.
The new director believes art should be accessible to everyone, and that’s the premise behind his plans for Mosman Art Gallery.
“Being brand new, I’ve got a lot of ideas,” says Steven, who is keen to ‘welcome everyone – people who are well-versed in art and people who don’t know much about art.’
Steven completed a degree in fine art painting at Queensland College of Art. He attended the college for half a day every week in his final years of high school through an accelerated program. “I just loved everything about art making, painting, ceramics and drawing in particular,” Steven says. “(Art’s) been a big part of me for a very long time.”
Steven has more than 30 years of experience. He’s worked as deputy director at the Australian Museum, director of Lismore Regional Gallery, and has collaborated with the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. He was formerly the director and chief executive officer of the National Art School before taking up the position at Mosman Art Gallery.
Steven, who lives in the Eastern Suburbs, still makes art himself, but these days concentrates more on the curatorial and programming side.
He says that there will be more ways for the community to get involved at the gallery and nurture a love for art.
“You’ll see more art history, art appreciation and art theory lectures. You’ll see more essays written about art,” Steven explains. “You’ll see us reaching out to do more youth programs and more seniors programs. You’ll see us do more music programs as well. I want to be able to utilise the Grand Hall more.”
Steven with artist Thea Anamara Perkins
And artist Marikit Santiago
Steven also wants the gallery to be a springboard to elevate the practice of pre- and mid-career level Australian artists. He says the gallery will be doing more exhibitions featuring these great artists.
“We want to expand our exhibition openings and welcome more people to the openings and make ourselves a much more accessible place so all the residents of Mosman and beyond can enjoy it,” Steven says.
Steven says art in the 21st century is ‘all about ideas’ and reflecting what’s happening in society and the world.
“It’s about interpreting those big, small or important ideas through art,” he says. “Artists and curators provide a unique perspective on the world. And I think more than ever, we need artists to offer fresh ideas and perspectives about what’s going on in this world.”
See the $70,000 Mosman Art Prize at the Mosman Art Gallery until 2 November.
