Claire Tracey
Curator, educator, and artist
Brisbane
Summary
Curator, educator, and artist with over two decades of experience across public art, artist-led initiatives, galleries, and higher education. I specialise in material culture, interpretive storytelling, and environmentally engaged practice. My career spans curatorial research, object and collections handling, public programming, and creative project leadership. I bring a collaborative, practical approach shaped by years of working with artists, institutions, and communities across Australia and internationally.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Curator & Educator
Independent Curator & Educator
Brisbane, Queensland
01.2019 - Current
- Part of the curatorial team successful in securing Brisbane City Council’s Outdoor Gallery Program (Women’s Work), assisting with artist liaison, exhibition development, and writing for public audiences.
- Led the Flock project (2019–2021), exhibited at three sites in Moreton Bay— a major public art commission developed with BCC and local schools, using recycled materials and storytelling to engage coastal communities.
- Curated student exhibitions at Grey Street Gallery (Griffith University) and worked with precinct partners to place student design work in public-facing locations across South Bank.
- Taught across design history, sustainability, and studio practice at Griffith University and UniSC, supporting student exhibitions and capstone projects.
- Delivered creative workshops and programs with Powerhouse Museum, Chinese Australian Museum, Redlands Regional Gallery, and Earnshaw State College, with a focus on reuse, material storytelling, and cultural connection.
- Founded Bloome Tech, a design-focused micro-business exploring modular planting systems for urban spaces. Supported by DEWR and Advance Queensland, this project blends public art, biodiversity, and sustainable design.
Freelance Artist, Educator & Project Manager
Art
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Maintained a multidisciplinary art practice with a strong focus on public art, sustainability, and community-led projects.
- Delivered creative workshops focused on recycled materials, storytelling, and cultural engagement — including programs at the Powerhouse Museum and the Chinese Australian Museum.
- Participated in artist residencies and independently produced work for exhibitions and community contexts.
- Contributed to education and outreach projects in informal settings, including schools and local councils.
- Laid the groundwork for your doctoral research into public art and plastic waste, initiating early experiments and fieldwork.
- Built experience in stakeholder communication, grant writing, and managing small creative teams to realise project outcomes.
Research Assistant
Meridians Research Group / RMIT
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Contributed to cross-cultural public art research funded by DFAT as part of Australia's presence at the World Expo in Shanghai.
- Coordinated documentation and supported international collaboration with Chinese artists and curators.
- Conducted field research and contributed to curatorial planning for site-responsive works.
Collections Assistant
Arc One Gallery
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Worked across collections support, artist files, and database management.
- Supported exhibition preparation, installation, and documentation for artists including Patricia Piccinini and Imants Tillers.
Gallery Founder & Curator
The Front Gallery & Café
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Co-founded and ran a hybrid gallery and live music venue focused on early-career artists and musicians.
- Curated over 30 exhibitions and supported a thriving local arts community through events and installations.
Board Member
Canberra Contemporary Art Space (CCAS)
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Sat on the board during a key phase of programming and governance; supported artist development and exhibition planning.
Education
Doctor of Visual Arts - Public Art & Sustainability
Griffith University
Master of Arts - Art in Public Space
RMIT University
Graduate Diploma of Visual Arts - undefined
RMIT University
Bachelor of Arts (Visual) Honours - Sculpture
ANU
Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship & New Business - undefined
James Cook University
Skills
Curatorial research
Public programming
Interpretive writing
Accessible communication
Exhibition management
Object handling
Artist liaison
Additional Information
ABN registered, Current Blue Card, NAVA Professional Member (insured), Based in Brisbane | Available for regional and interstate work
Earlier Roles
- Gallery Founder & Curator – The Front Gallery & Café, Canberra, ACT, 01/01/07, 12/31/10, Co-founded and ran a hybrid gallery and live music venue focused on early-career artists and musicians., Curated over 30 exhibitions and supported a thriving local arts community through events and installations.
- Board Member – Canberra Contemporary Art Space (CCAS), Canberra, ACT, 01/01/05, 12/31/07, Sat on the board during a key phase of programming and governance; supported artist development and exhibition planning.
Awards
- Advance Queensland Female Founders Grant, 2024, $3,000
- DEWR Business Assistance Grant, 2024, $10,000
- Brisbane City Council Outdoor Gallery Curatorial Grant, 2020, $50,000
- BCC Public Art Commission (Flock), 2019, $40,000
- Recycled Materials Award, 2017, Brisbane City Council
- Sustainability Award, 2015, Incinerator Gallery
- MAGNA Award, 2013, Chinese Australian Museum
Selected Projects
- Flock, 01/01/19, 12/31/21, Public art and education project exhibited at Powerhouse Museum; concept development, curatorial content, and community engagement.
- Women’s Work, 01/01/20, 12/31/20, Outdoor Gallery exhibition with BCC Creative Brisbane; curatorial support and artist liaison.
- EcoMorphis, Site-specific installation at Flight Centre HQ exploring plastic waste and urban environments.
- Ramsar Anniversary Installation, Wetlands-themed project and event for international Japanese delegation.
- Workshops and programming, Powerhouse Museum, ATQ, Redlands Regional Gallery, Earnshaw State College, Chinese Australian Museum.
- International artist residencies, Red Gate (China), Zorig Foundation (Mongolia), Municipality of Sile (Turkey).
- Meridians Research Group / DFAT Expo Project, Collaborative research for World Expo, Shanghai.
Timeline
Curator & Educator
Independent Curator & Educator
01.2019 - Current
Freelance Artist, Educator & Project Manager
Art
01.2011 - 01.2019
Collections Assistant
Arc One Gallery
01.2010 - 01.2011
Research Assistant
Meridians Research Group / RMIT
01.2009 - 01.2011
Gallery Founder & Curator
The Front Gallery & Café
01.2007 - 01.2010
Board Member
Canberra Contemporary Art Space (CCAS)
01.2005 - 01.2007
Master of Arts - Art in Public Space
RMIT University
Graduate Diploma of Visual Arts - undefined
RMIT University
Bachelor of Arts (Visual) Honours - Sculpture
ANU
Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship & New Business - undefined
James Cook University
Doctor of Visual Arts - Public Art & Sustainability
Griffith University