MARY KENDELL
Canberra,ACT.
Summary
Passionate Arts Manager with demonstrated professional history leading impactful youth engagement initiatives within cultural institutions worldwide. Proficient in devising and executing comprehensive strategies to empower young people to engage with art and artists. An effective leader with a focus at fostering collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including artists, educators, and community leaders, to develop inclusive programming that resonates with youth nationwide.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Convenor Young People
National Gallery of Australia
Canberra, ACT
06.2021 - Current
- Oversee, develop and lead the strategic direction of national youth engagement programs at the National Gallery.
- Active collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to plan and deliver artist-led and peer-led national public events for young audiences including the National Gallery Youth Council, National Summer Art Scholarship and the National Young Writers Program.
- Lead the National Gallery Youth Council to achieve strategic goals.
- Produced 2021 and 2022 Indigenous Arts Leadership Programs
- Collaborated with wider Gallery teams to deliver large scale programs, projects and events
Education and Community Engagement Manager
Canberra Glassworks
Canberra, ACT
01.2019 - 06.2021
- Developed and oversaw the delivery of education and community engagement programs for Australia's leading centre for contemporary glass art.
- Implemented community outreach and engagement plans to reach vulnerable communities during lockdown periods in 2020 and 2021
- Conducted interviews with people from target populations to listen to concerns and amplify group's voice.
- Oversaw the recruitment, training, and supervision of artists, education personnel, public programs staff, and organisational volunteers to ensure program success.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with cultural institutions to collaboratively deliver large-scale projects aimed at enriching community engagement and cultural exchange.
- Successfully crafted and secured grant proposals to fund innovative initiatives aimed at addressing community needs and fostering artistic participation and expression.
General Manager
QL2 Dance
Canberra, ACT
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Oversaw operations as Manager of a contemporary, collaborative, and non-competitive dance organisation for young and emerging artists.
- Directed and supervised staff, volunteers, and ensemble performances, proactively addressing any concerns or issues.
- Conducted regular performance feedback sessions and performance appraisals to ensure high-quality and timely execution of duties.
- Identified and cultivated effective fundraising strategies to support organisational goals and sustainability.
- Managed annual budgets of up to $750,000, meticulously analysing monthly departmental budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- Produced comprehensive executive analysis reports for presentation to the Board, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Artistic Editor
University of South Pacific
Nuku'Alofa, Kingdom Of Tonga
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Championed literacy in the South Pacific by facilitating the creation and dissemination of children and young people's books in the native languages of Samoa, Fiji, Kiribati, and the Kingdom of Tonga.
- Developed public programs involving artists, writers, and community members to collaboratively develop a series of children and young people's books aimed at promoting cultural heritage and language preservation.
- Formulated and managed agreements pertaining to artistic, community, and financial project goals, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
- Crafted comprehensive long- and short-range plans, alongside targeted goals and objectives, to guide the successful execution of literary initiatives and support sustainable growth and impact.
Office Manager
Canberra Glassworks
Canberra, ACT
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Managed all finance and administration responsibilities at Australia's premier centre for contemporary glass art.
- Collaborated with department heads to supervise budgets, assess risks and opportunities, and devise strategies to enhance performance, efficiency, and financial outcomes.
- Provided training and mentorship to administrative staff and artists to ensure competency and effectiveness in their roles.
- Established direct communication channels with artists to streamline organisational processes and foster continuous improvement initiatives.
Business Support Officer
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Wagga Wagga, NSW
06.2009 - 03.2013
- Supported management at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Museum of the Riverina in supervising all financial and business administration projects.
- Supported artistic programs by facilitating artist liaison, communication, promotion, and event management, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of creative initiatives.
- Assisted in developing artist agreements, project budgets, and marketing strategies to promote exhibitions and public programs.
- Collaborated closely with management to ensure smooth execution of administrative tasks and alignment with organizational objectives.
Programs Coordinator/Editorial Content Manager
International Women Association of Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
01.2006 - 05.2008
- Collaborated in the development and implementation of diverse community programs, including establishing a children’s library, a community arts and craft center catering to single mothers and heads of families, and a community vegetable garden.
- Took the lead in conceptualising and organising initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and well-being.
- Edited content for the monthly IWAM newsletter
Art and English Teacher
Mongolian-Russian Joint School
Ulaanbataar, Mongolia
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Developed immersive programs integrating English language learning with art initiatives, providing students with dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
- Taught English through art to primary and secondary school students, fostering creativity language proficiency and communication skills.
- Mentored students in the application process for English-speaking universities abroad, providing guidance and support to facilitate successful admissions.
- Provided assistance to fellow teachers in various tasks, including assignment development, special projects, test preparation, administrative tasks, and grading, contributing to a collaborative and supportive teaching environment.
Art Teacher
Fue Jian School
Changchun, Jilin Province, China
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Developed immersive programs integrating English language learning with art initiatives, providing students with dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
- Facilitated the development of performances as a means of enhancing language acquisition and expression, fostering creativity and confidence among students.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of English Language using visual and performance Arts combined with hands-on activities.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
Gallery Assistant
Nueva Era
Bogota, Colombia
01.2000 - 12.2003
- Arranged exhibition and event spaces to prepare for the installation of artworks for display.
- Managed the front desk of a high-traffic gallery, ensuring efficient processing of admission payments and maintaining visitor safety protocols.
- Engaged with visitors to discuss the gallery's philosophy, providing education on the artists and exhibitions showcased.
- Liaised with artists to coordinate and facilitate public talks, enriching the visitor experience and fostering dialogue between artists and the public.
Education
Master of Arts - Arts and Cultural Management
University of South Australia
Adelaide, SA01-2020
Postgraduate Diploma - Arts And Cultural Facilities Management
University of South Australia
Adelaide, SA01-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
National University of Colombia
Bogota, Colombia01-2003
Undergraduate Diploma - Interior Architecture
Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
Bogota, Colombia01-2002
Advanced Diploma - Business Administration
TAFE NSW
Albury, NSW01-2014
Certificate IV - Finance Administration
TAFE NSW
Wagga Wagga, NSW01-2010
Certificate IV - Business Administration And Management
TAFE NSW
Wagga Wagga, NSW01-2009
Skills
- Strategic Planning: Proficient in developing and implementing youth art engagement strategies aligned with organisational objectives, fostering creativity, and critical thinking
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Skilled in fostering meaningful partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to co-create and deliver youth-led initiatives that amplify voices and perspectives
- Program Management: Experienced in overseeing all facets of program development and delivery ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
- Diversity and Inclusion: Committed to promoting diversity and accessibility in youth programming, creating inclusive environments that celebrate diverse identities and perspectives
- First Nations Engagement: Dedicated to elevating First Nations voices and perspectives within youth programming, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation of First Nations art and heritage
- Peer-Led Engagement: Demonstrated proficiency in designing and convening peer-led art engagement programs, fostering collaborative learning environments that empower young individuals to explore and connect with art on their own terms
- Effective Communication: Strong ability to communicate concepts to diverse audiences, including youth, artists, educators, and stakeholders
- Intermediate level in Tessitura and TNEW
Affiliations
- First Aid/CPR
- Working with Vulnerable People
- Indigenous Awareness Certificate
- Adobe Photoshop & InDesign
Additional Information
- BEST TEACHER AWARD Mongolian Russian Joint School, Ulaanbataar. 2004
- BEST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT GRANT Colombian Government, Bogota 1999
- Member, AMaGA
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- Spanish (Native)
References
GEORGIA CLOSE, Head of Learning
National Gallery of Australia
e-mail georgia.close@nga.gov.au
LEANNE WATERHOUSE, Education Manager
National Gallery of Australia
e-mail leanne.waterhouse@nga.gov.au
TINA BAUM, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Curator | Australian Art
National Gallery of Australia
email tina.baum@nga.gov.au
AIMEE FRODSHAM, Artistic Director
Canberra Glassworks
e-mail aimee.frodsham@canberraglassworks.com Phone: 0476872503
Timeline
Program Convenor Young People
National Gallery of Australia
06.2021 - Current
Education and Community Engagement Manager
Canberra Glassworks
01.2019 - 06.2021
General Manager
QL2 Dance
01.2018 - 12.2018
Artistic Editor
University of South Pacific
01.2017 - 12.2017
Office Manager
Canberra Glassworks
01.2015 - 12.2016
Business Support Officer
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
06.2009 - 03.2013
Programs Coordinator/Editorial Content Manager
International Women Association of Mongolia
01.2006 - 05.2008
Art and English Teacher
Mongolian-Russian Joint School
01.2004 - 01.2006
Art Teacher
Fue Jian School
01.2003 - 01.2004
Gallery Assistant
Nueva Era
01.2000 - 12.2003
Master of Arts - Arts and Cultural Management
University of South Australia
Postgraduate Diploma - Arts And Cultural Facilities Management
University of South Australia
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
National University of Colombia
Undergraduate Diploma - Interior Architecture
Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
Advanced Diploma - Business Administration
TAFE NSW
Certificate IV - Finance Administration
TAFE NSW
Certificate IV - Business Administration And Management
TAFE NSW
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