Curator for the NAIDOC Week Moorjditch Maa-Daa art award (3 years)
WABN: Describe a day at work.
ER: "A day at work can be hectic, exhausting, stimulating and satisfying."
WABN: What has been the most challenging event in your career?
ER: "Overcoming the fear of theft or damage to the artwork on display is a challenge. Plan all aspects of the project well in advance. Anticipate any problems: put in place all safety measures."
WABN: What's best measurement of your performance, and can you name a highlight in your career?
ER: "My personal gauge or highlight is undoubtedly the ability or desire to lift the standard of an exhibition each year. It's a huge challenge. Without doubt the Minnawarra art award and The Moorjditch Maa-Daa art award have both succeeded with superior, high-quality artwork displayed."
WABN: Is there a business model that you strive to achieve?
ER: "What I strive to display is a well balanced selection of artwork - two and three dimensional works of various media. My aim is always excellence within the criteria of each medium. The exhibitions should be educational with appeal to all visitors, young and mature."
WABN: What frustrates you the most about your sector and what would you do to change it?
ER: "Regrettably the arts is a poorly supported sector, with arts workers undervalued within the business world. Australia does not boast a good record for supporting its artists or arts workers. A good example is the desperate need for more studio space for visual artists within our city.
"I'm very keen to see artists and art workers given the same recognition as any qualified business or tradesperson. Creativity is essential to the holistic development of all cities or communities. Government and corporate business support is essential.
"I have always strived towards developing a community rich in culture, from grass roots creativity to the higher realm of excellence...a vibrant artistic community which reflects that its culture is abuzz with enthusiasm and promise. The arts create hope and vision into a future world of prosperity through creativity."
WABN: What were you doing before your current position?
ER: "Prior to working as a curator, I worked from home in my converted stable studio, painting and developing a body of work over a couple of years for a solo exhibition.
"During this time I began working as a voluntary arts coordinator to develop an awareness of the bourgeoning arts community within southern corridor of the Gosnells-Armadale and Serpentine-Jarrahdale communities."
"Also [I worked] to develop a cultural imprint upon our vastly growing city, with an awareness of its value and to encourage an appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, music, dance and theatre.
"The NAIDOC Week Exhibition-Moorjditch Maa-Daa art award proudly supports and promotes indigenous art in Armadale - a significant centre of traditional Nyoongar culture."
