Kathleen Ashby: An Accomplished Art Curator Enriching Contemporary Australian Art  

Joining Durrant Contemporary Art as their new curator, Kathleen Ashby brings over eight years of extensive experience in art management and arts administration and a profound dedication to showcasing contemporary Australian art.  

Ashby’s professional journey showcases a robust skill set in curatorial research, collections management, exhibition design, and publication writing. Her expertise extends to various esteemed institutions, demonstrating her adaptability and proactive approach within the art world. 

Her noteworthy contributions include extensive curatorial research on the Loudon Sainthill collection, culminating in published articles in Theatre Heritage Australia and Plays International & Europe journal. Ashby’s written work further spans platforms such as Arts Centre Melbourne’s What’s On Guide, online collection narratives, and communications for Philanthropy’s member and donor engagements.  

Working with a diverse range of artworks and design objects, Ashby has demonstrated adeptness in managing and handling contemporary art. Her experience encompasses roles at Modern Times, Brunswick Street Gallery, Arts Centre Melbourne, and the National Gallery of Victoria, which have allowed her to develop a strong foundation in art management and specialist art curating.  

Ashby’s publication writing history reflects a meticulous approach to cataloguing, formal art writing, and exhibition collateral creation. She has developed exhibition catalogues, promotional materials, and didactics for various institutions, including Modern Times, Arts Centre Melbourne, and Brunswick Street Gallery.  

As Gallery Manager at Brunswick Street Gallery, Ashby oversaw daily operations, curated exhibitions and maintained artwork databases. Her multifaceted roles at the National Gallery of Victoria strengthened her experience across public programs, information dissemination, and project assistance within the Education Department and Stocktake Project.  

At Durrant Contemporary Art, Ashby endeavours to leverage her expertise in coordinating digital and physical art exhibitions. Her responsibilities encompass supporting the gallery and partner galleries in curating new exhibitions, bolstering promotional efforts, and contributing to sales initiatives. Kathleen Ashby’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication, robust communication skills, and fervent passion for elevating the realm of contemporary Australian art. Her contributions enrich the cultural landscape, positioning her as a prominent figure in the field of art curation and exhibition.