Art Month Sydney today announced the appointment of Penelope Benton and Alexandra Clapham as joint Artistic Directors for Art Month Sydney 2013:
Benton and Clapham are established innovators in Sydney’s emerging art scene and share a deep understanding of contemporary art and creativity with experience both as working artists and in arts administration.
Art Month Sydney CEO Paul Becker said:
“We are delighted to have Alex and Penelope join the Art Month team as co-Artistic Directors. They bring a fresh perspective and unique vision to the festival.”
“Art Month is a strong believer in nurturing Sydney’s next generation of emerging directorial talent and is excited to be able to offer this unique opportunity to Benton and Clapham,” said Becker.
Together Penelope Benton and Alex Clapham will draw on a diverse range of art experience to delve further into the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary art in Sydney, while connecting with new and existing audiences.
The Co-Directors said:
“We are thrilled to be Artistic Directors of Art Month Sydney 2013 and look forward to celebrating the incredible talent in this city. We plan to make sure there’s an experience for everyone, across all art cultures in Sydney.”
Clapham and Benton are Sydney based artists working collaboratively and independently across installation and performance. Alexandra Clapham is a co-Director of Firstdraft Gallery and Manager of Kudos Gallery in Paddington, Sydney. Penelope Benton served a two year directorship at Firstdraft Gallery in 2008 and is a founding member and co-owner/Director of The Red Rattler Theatre in Marrickville. Benton is currently undertaking an MFA at COFA UNSW, and has a BA Visual Arts from the University of Newcastle, and a MArtAdmin from COFA UNSW amongst other qualifications.
Art Month also announced a new Artistic Director mentorship program. In line with Art Month’s commitment to supporting the contemporary art industry in Sydney, the mentorship represents an opportunity for emerging creatives and artistic directors to work with industry icons directly. In the inaugural year of the artistic director mentorship Liane Rossler will serve as mentor.
Liane Rossler is a highly respected and central figure within Australia’s arts and design sector. A passionate spokesperson and ambassador for key issues relating to the creative industries and the environment, Liane is involved in numerous collaborations, exhibitions and projects. Liane is also well known as a co-founder of Dinosaur Designs and currently serves on the City of Sydney’s Retail Advisory Panel.
Art Month is Sydney’s annual contemporary art festival held each March and is committed to showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary art in Sydney.
An opportunity for emerging creatives to work with industry icons directly.
CEO said Bent ham and Clap on established a deep understanding of contemporary art and creativity with experience in art scene. They bring a strong believer in Sydney’s emerging next generation. Bent ham and Clap on will draw while connecting with new and existing Art audiences.
Art Month is excited. The Co-Directors said: “vibrancy and diversity an experience for everyone across all cultures”
“We are thrilled to be emerging innovators. We plan to delve further on a diverse range to make sure there’s celebrating in this city.”
Clap on and Bent ham are working in line with the contemporary art industry in Sydney. A passionate spokesperson for the creative industries serves on the City of Sydney’s Retail Advisory Panel.
Art Month is Sydney’s annual contemporary art festival.