Arnolfini announces Middlesbrough Institute of Contemporary Art’s Kate Brindley as Interim Director

BRISTOL.- Arnolfini Centre for the Contemporary Arts in Bristol announced the appointment of Kate Brindley as its Interim Director. She will take up post on 1 April 2014.

Kate is an experienced and respected visual arts professional whose career has been characterised by her curatorial and leadership skills. She joins Arnolfini from the Middlesbrough Institute of Contemporary Art (mima), where, as Director, she has firmly established this ambitious, new-build initiative on the cultural map. During her time in the North East, she worked with high profile artists (including Anish Kapoor, Lawrence Weiner and Alex Katz) and led collaborations with national and international organisations. In her previous role as Director of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Kate was responsible for the successful £26m M Shed project. She also delivered the Banksy v Bristol Museum project which attracted over 300,000 visitors – ranking it in 2009’s top ten most visited exhibitions in the world. Before her time in Bristol, as Head of Wolverhampton Arts and Museums she had led the RIBA award winning £6m extension and refurbishment of a 19th century art gallery which opened in 2006. Kate is an adviser to the influential Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Kate joins Arnolfini from the Middlesbrough Institute of Contemporary Art

Kate Brindley said today: “I am looking forward to working with partners and communities in the city to shape the next chapter for Arnolfini, a powerhouse of experimentation and artistic excellence at the heart of Bristol’s rich cultural identity”

Peter Boyden, Chair of Arnolfini’s trustees, said today “We’re delighted that Kate has agreed to lead Arnolfini into the next phase of its development. Her breadth of professional experience, wide range of contacts and deep knowledge of the Bristol cultural scene make her the perfect appointment as Arnolfini looks to the future with confidence.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council England South West, said today: “It’s good to be able to welcome Kate back to Bristol. Her leadership and experience will be a significant asset to Arnolfini over the next 12 months. We look forward to working with her.”