Anoushka Sansom
Curator
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Anoushka Sansom is the founder and inaugural head curator of Red 5 Gallery at the National Art School, Sydney. The gallery was the first of its kind in the institution and provided key opportunities for emerging artists. She also curated Other(ed) Bodies, a group show that formed part of the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Arts programme.
Anoushka has a strong interest in promoting the work of emerging artists, and has been involved in numerous community and student arts exhibitions and initiatives. In 2017 she worked with Woolahra Council to realise an aspect of their Activate Oxford plan. Her project saw the activation of disused public spaces in the Oxford Street Precinct through a two-day arts event and the installation of the Perry Lane Mural - a permanent public art installation in a previously derelict Paddington laneway.
As President of the National Art School Student Council she worked tirelessly with both fellow students and School directors to provide opportunities for students to develop and show their work.
Anoushka is outgoing and passionate about making contemporary visual culture available to broad and diverse audiences. She has a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and within deadlines. Anoushka is fluent in Portuguese and has a working knowledge of French and Spanish. She has excellent communication skills; both written and interpersonal. She is comfortable and adept at responding to changing circumstances and welcomes the opportunity for new challenges.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Section Head
Steamers
Wollongong , NSW
2020.11 - Current
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Responsible for the induction and training of new employees.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of wine and appropriate pairings, increasing daily sales.
Curator and Artist
Other(ed) Bodies | Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Arts
Sydney , NSW
2019.01 - 2020.03
- Successfully devised curatorial concepts and wrote the exhibition rationale
- Liaison and procurement of artists.
- Effectively worked with artists and stakeholders to ensure the exhibition met both the artist's vision of the show and met expectations of the exhibition rationale.
- Assisted in planning, implementation and oversight of an exhibition within the inaugural Mardi Gras Queer Contemporary arts programme.
- Displayed coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Liaised with National Art School and Mardi Gras management to achieve a successful arts programme.
- Promoted events and exhibits via social media and other communication methods.
- Moved and handled various types of artwork with exceptional care.
- Procured talented individuals, performing artists and musicians to entertain guests during the opening night event.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Created multiple works for the exhibition, including a performance work that was performed on opening night.
Curator and Project Manager
Red 5 Gallery
Sydney , NSW
2018.07 - 2019.09
- Founded and coordinated Red 5. The first student-run gallery space at the National Art School.
- Collaborated with NAS Director and student body to develop and implement gallery manifesto and policy.
- Presented proposal to National Art School Board of Directors
- Worked with School Management and Maintenance Department to devise gallery layout and ensure all occupational health and safety requirements were met and delivered.
- Created and planned, Girls, Girls, Girls, the inaugural exhibition, including writing the exhibition rationale and sourcing artists from within the student body.
Student Council President
National Art School
Sydney , NSW
2018.06 - 2019.07
- Led team of six other student leaders reporting to National Art School Board of Directors.
- Consulted with School Board of Directors to provide student input and representation for the National Art School 20 Year Plan.
- Coordinated with School Board of Directors to implement the initial stages of the National Art School 20 Year Plan.
- Restructured the School Student Association to increase participation and make it financially self-sufficient.
- Negotiated and oversaw the founding of an on-campus, student-run gallery space.
- Oversaw the creation of on-campus clubs and societies.
- Negotiated with School management to establish a student lounge and lunch facilities.
- Oversaw the planning and running student-focused events.
Curator and Artist
Proximity 2019 | Articulate Project Space
Sydney , NSW
2019.01 - 2019.03
- Effectively planned, implemented and oversaw the group show of student work, 'Proximity 2019'.
- Created multiple works for the show.
- Created and performed a performance artwork for the show.
- Assisted in the installation of the show.
Event Project Manager
Sydney Artists' Ball | National Art School
Sydney , NSW
2018.02 - 2019.02
- Planned and ran the 2018 Sydney Arts Ball.
- Procured performers and artists to provide entertainment for the event.
- Increased ticket sales from previous Ball leading to the event making a profit.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, including contract signing, fee collection, event booking and event promotions.
- Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.
- Liaised with marketing and PR colleagues to promote special events in social calendars.
- Selected and ordered refreshments, decor and event materials.
- Planned and organized activities, details and timelines for the event.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Delivered prompt payment for event services, including vendors, venues, staff, and transportation providers.
- Supervised onsite team, including caterers, audio-visual technicians, and facility management team.
Event Assistant
Sydney Contemporary 2018
Sydney , NSW
2018.08 - 2018.09
- Assisted in event set-up.
- Invigilated artwork.
- Greeted and directed guests.
- Processed payments, checked tickets and directed guests to locations.
Event Assistant
Bondi Feast Arts Festival
Sydney , NSW
2018.06 - 2018.07
- Assisted in event set-up.
- Organised facility preparation, refreshments and entertainment.
- Greeted and directed guests.
- Checked tickets and directed guests to locations.
- Logistical management and team liaison.
Co-Curator and Artist
Seeing and Being Seen | Woolahra Council
Sydney , NSW
2017.03 - 2017.11
- Co-curated and led aspects of planning, implementation and oversight of the community arts street activation project, Seeing and Being Seen.
- Devised, planned and implemented project from initial stages to completion.
- Managed logistics of transport and handling of artwork with exceptional care.
- Procured visual artists, performing artists and musicians to entertain guests during the event.
- Oversaw the installation of a permanent public art piece.
- Created work for the exhibition.
- Welcomed members of the public and guided them through the art experience.
- Contributed to writing the after-event report that was submitted to Woolahra Council.
Education
Master of Arts - Art Curating
2020.06 - Current
Master of Arts - Philosophy And Religious Studies
2015.03 - 2017.11
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Printmaking
2018.03 - 2019.11
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
2008.03 - 2011.11
Skills
Art history and theory knowledge
undefinedTimeline
Section Head - Steamers
2020.11 - Current
University Of Sydney - Master of Arts, Art Curating
2020.06 - Current
Curator and Artist - Other(ed) Bodies | Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Arts
2019.01 - 2020.03
Curator and Artist - Proximity 2019 | Articulate Project Space
2019.01 - 2019.03
Event Assistant - Sydney Contemporary 2018
2018.08 - 2018.09
Curator and Project Manager - Red 5 Gallery
2018.07 - 2019.09
Student Council President - National Art School
2018.06 - 2019.07
Event Assistant - Bondi Feast Arts Festival
2018.06 - 2018.07
National Art School - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Printmaking
2018.03 - 2019.11
Event Project Manager - Sydney Artists' Ball | National Art School
2018.02 - 2019.02
Co-Curator and Artist - Seeing and Being Seen | Woolahra Council
2017.03 - 2017.11
University Of New England - Master of Arts, Philosophy And Religious Studies
2015.03 - 2017.11
University Of Wollongong - Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy
2008.03 - 2011.11