Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, 1993 : Exhibition report

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT As part of the Asia-Pacific Triennial process, ten members of the Queensland Art Gallery staff were able to travel overseas directly funded as part of the project: Mr Doug Hall, Director; Dr Caroline Turner, Deputy Director and Manager, International Programs; Mr Joe Devilee, Senior Exhibitions Officer; Ms Anne Kirker, Curator, Prints, Drawings and Photographs; Ms Robyn Bondfield, Regional Services Co-ordinator; Ms Clare Williamson, Associate Curator, Prints, Drawings and Photographs; Mr Greg Roberts, former Manager, Public Programs; Mr John Massy, Senior Education Officer; Mr Simon Elliott, Assistant Registrar; and Mr David Burnett, Education Officer. As well, the Gallery funded two extensive visits by Mr Ross Searle, Director of the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville, to Papua New Guinea. Two professional development placements were funded by the Australia Council, as part of the project, with Ms Judy Kean, formerly Director of 24Hr Art, Darwin, spending a period working on the lead-up to the first Triennial in 1993, and Ms Natalie King, Monash Art Gallery, working on the finalisation of data and evaluations of the project in 1994. All members of the Gallery staff worked on the project in some capacity and many members of staff in their reports have commented on the enhanced skills and professional development which the Asia-Pacific Triennial allowed them. Some staff have undertaken personal travel in the region and language training as a result of the Triennial. Staff training was conducted at all levels, including for attendants and volunteers, and all staff were encouraged to attend lectures on cultural background of countries in the region and to meet with the visiting artists. A large number of temporary staff were employed on the project, including a number of artists who helped visiting overseas artists with their installations and students who participated as volunteers as part of their courses.