Tweed River Art Gallery Director, Susi Muddiman, is one of
the most powerful people in the Australian art world, according
to an infl uential art blog.
‘The Art Life’ (www.theartlife.com.au) drew up the
inaugural list – called the ‘The Power Trip’ – and included Susi
Muddiman at number 46.
“46. Susi Muddiman
“Tweed River Art Gallery isn’t all that easy to fi nd: it’s hidden
down a side road on the outskirts of the small border town of
Murwillumbah. A wealth of patrons and thousands of Gallery
Friends have meant this NSW Regional Gallery constantly
punches above its weight, with innovative exhibitions and
shows by well-known artists,” the entry reads.
“One of the major reasons for this is Susi Muddiman, the
Director since 2007. Muddiman makes friends easily and
cultivates a welcoming atmosphere. Her coup for 2012 was
securing a major donation from the Margaret Olley Art Trust
to build a special extension to the Gallery in memory of the
late artist.”
Ms Muddiman said she was fl attered to be included in the
list, which includes such heavy-hitters of the art world as gallery
directors, arts administrations, commercial gallery dealers,
philanthropists and curators including Philip Bacon AM, Nick
Mitzevich, Michael Zavros, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, David
Walsh and The Balnaves Foundation.
“I don’t so much see this so much as a personal honour,
although it’s very nice to be recognised by the industry – it’s
more about kudos for the Gallery itself, the staff and all its
wonderful supporters, such as the Friends of the Gallery,
the Tweed River Art Gallery Foundation and our energetic
volunteers.
“It’s interesting that there’s only one other regional gallery
colleague in the list that I’m aware of, and that’s Kent Buchanan
from the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo,” she said.
“It also cements our claim that we are well on our way to
becoming one of the best regional art galleries in regional
Australia. The entry in the list also indicates that we need
better signage to the Gallery!,” she added.
“Thanks must go to Tweed Shire Council for having the
vision to create, develop and continue to provide support to
this facility,” she said.
Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Barry Longland, said the
Tweed community should be proud to have such a prominent
director for its fl agship regional gallery.
“Susi brings her experience in programming for a variety
of audiences to the role. This is refl ected in the quality of
presentation and exhibtions shown at our regional gallery.
“She was instrumental in securing the Margaret Olley
Art Centre for the region, and for curating and touring great
exhibitions such as the recent Michael Zavros and Euan
Macleod shows,” he said.
