PR.1748
03/04/2008
FIRST DIRECTOR FOR HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD ANNOUNCED
The first director of The Hepworth Wakefield, the city’s prestigious
new art gallery, is Simon Wallis, it was announced today (Thurs).
Simon, who is Director of the Chisenhale Gallery in Tower Hamlets,
London, said he was looking forward to creating a world-class
cultural attraction and moving to the region.
Announcing the appointment, the Leader of Wakefield Council Peter
Box, said: “As you would expect, such an important project attracted
a very strong field of candidates. The Hepworth Wakefield is key to
the regeneration of the Waterfront area of the city centre.
“We wanted to appoint a director who shared our vision and aspirations. We felt that Simon was ideal for the role and will drive forward our ambition for The Hepworth Wakefield to become an arts destination of national and international significance. He is due to join us in June and that will mark a new phase for the project.”
Since joining Chisenhale in January 2004, Simon has consolidated it as a highly successful contemporary art space that is renowned for giving first solo shows to many of today's leading international artists.
He has previously worked as Senior Exhibitions Organiser at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, Curator at Tate Liverpool and Exhibitions Organiser at Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge.
He studied at Chelsea School of Art, London, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, USA, and The University of Manchester.
Peter Murray, Director of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which works closely with the Council, was a member of the recruitment panel. He said: "We were very impressed with the list of applicants which emphasises the status of this project and from a strong shortlist, we were delighted to appoint Simon, a young curator with a considerable reputation who will help to establish The Hepworth Wakefield as an important centre for contemporary art."
Simon said that he was very excited at the prospect of taking up his new post. He said: “What attracted me was the unique and exciting combination of a major new building designed by one of the world's leading architects situated in a wonderful location next to the River Calder, along with Wakefield's impressive collection of art and the opportunity to explore and celebrate Barbara Hepworth's world-renowned work in dialogue with the best international contemporary art.
“I'm impressed with the ambition of the region and the opportunity to create a world-class cultural attraction in Wakefield that will be at the heart of the community, as well as attracting national and international visitors. It's fitting to celebrate the region as the birthplace of modern British sculpture given it's where both Hepworth and Henry Moore grew up - The Hepworth will be the ideal place to explore Wakefield's rich cultural heritage.”
He said that the gallery would be seen as one of this country's leading visual arts organisations.
“I want local people to take pride in the ambition, quality and attractiveness of the gallery through its building and impressive art collection, as well as its exciting programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions.
“The Hepworth will be a welcoming and inviting environment with a busy social life, as well as a place where people can enjoy an engaging programme of talks, tours and workshops. It'll be a place to see the work of famous artists from the past and present, to enjoy meeting people and socialising over lunch or coffee and an ideal place to do business though our corporate hospitality and the unique high quality environment we'll offer.
“It will be a place where tradition will meet innovation: a perfect combination for this region.”
