ON THE VERGE: Tesha Malott to be the Gallery’s newest Director
WORDS BY BIANKA FARMAKIS
There’s a new figure on Sydney University’s art scene, as the USU appoints Tesha Malott as the Verge Gallery’s latest Art Director.
Habouring a passion for experimental and contemporary art practices, Tesha holds a BFA in printmaking from the National Art School, Darlinghurst and Graduate’s Diploma in Arts Administration from UNSW’s Art & Design School.
Louise Anthony, Director of Student programs at the USU said “the experience that Tesha will bring to this space will not only compliment the amazing work [previous Director] Siân has done over the past four years but continue to catapult Verge to a recognised place of supportive education, critical dialogue and excellence within the arts.”
Tesha comes off the back of a seven-year tenure as General Manager of Firstdraft, one of the longest running, artist-led initiatives supporting fine arts practitioners in need of additional means to fund their development.
With an extensive background in providing emerging, mid-career and established artists with possibilities to flourish and exhibit their work, Tesha’s involvement with Firstdraft provided vital mentoring, materials and access to young artists in need of work and exhibition spaces without financial pressure.
A frontrunner in the Artist Run Initiative (ARI) world, Tesha’s work has centred around facilitating crucial grassroots functions in the arts, maintaining a ‘free of charge’ ethos for young creators, with a profound interest in exhibition management and audience development.
Tesha started her stint with Firstdraft in 2012, and previously worked for public and private arts organisations, including the Sherman Contemporary Foundation and Kudos Gallery in Paddington and Art Month.
Tesha takes over from Sian McIntyre, Verge Gallery’s Director from 2014 – 2018, who finishes up on June 8th this year.
Sian leaves to begin a PhD, travel abroad and complete a residency with the Curatorial Program for Research.
More to come on Tesha’s plans for the future of the Verge Gallery.