Shonae Hobson
QLD
Summary
An experienced art professional with extensive knowledge of First Nations contemporary art, fashion and design practice. Skilled with research, writing and developing programs and initiatives to further enhance the engagement of First Nations art and material culture within museum and gallery spaces. Works collaboratively with communities, artists, and organisations to foster and build capacity for economic and social independence.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Curator
First Nations Art – National Gallery of Victoria
Melbourne, VIC
03.2021 - Current
- Curated and assisted in development of exhibitions including NVG Triennial (2023-24); Melbourne Now (2023) and permanent collection displays
- Initiated the inaugural Indigenous Fashion Commission, a project committed to fostering First Nations artists and designers working in the fashion and textile industry
- Consulted and collaborated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, artists and art centers across Australia to strengthen First Nations engagement.
- Developed and expanded NGV holdings of Nations art and material culture, including major acquisitions of work by emerging artists
- Liaised with organisations, donors and stakeholders to initiate monetary support for projects including Indigenous Fashion Commission and Country Road x NGV First Nations Commissions
- Delivered and facilitated lectures and public programs.
First Nations Curator
Bendigo Art Gallery
Bendigo, VIC
07.2018 - 03.2021
- Curated Indigenous Australian art and fashion exhibitions including the Dja Dja Wurrung repatriation project and exhibitions Datim Datim (2018); Desert Lines: Batik from Central Australia (2019); Josh Muir: What’s on your mind
- (2019) and Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion (2020/21)
- Developed and wrote the Bendigo Art Gallery First Nations Acquisition Policy
- Developed and expanded the Gallery’s holdings of contemporary Indigenous art and material culture, including major acquisitions of Indigenous Australian Fashion
- Delivered lectures, public programs, education activities and workshops.
Gallery Assistant
Alcaston Gallery
Melbourne, VIC
02.2018 - 07.2018
- Wrote labels for artworks and designed hard copy catalogues for exhibitions
- Packaged and mailed exhibition invitations to clients, institutions, galleries and art centres
- Performed set tasks on gallery database management system CMS including update of client information, artwork prices and artists biography.
Assistant Curator
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
07.2016 - 12.2017
- Undertook extensive community engagement with community members, stakeholders, and local organisations to discuss cultural artefacts and materials from Melbourne Museum collection
- Identified cultural objects and recorded relevant information and contextual knowledge
- Corresponded with art galleries, community art centres, curators, and artists
- Participated in writing and directing of film and script
Project Office
Coen Women’s Shelter
, QLD
11.2016 - 08.2016
- Facilitated women’s group meetings to discuss outcomes of shelter model
- Wrote Shelter Policy and Procedures manual
- Engaged with community members, regional organisations, stakeholders and government departments on shelter model.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology & Art History
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
2018
Additional Information
- Accomplishments , Advisory Board Member - Indigenous Fashion Projects, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (Present) Cultural Mentor – First Nations Fashion Design x ICONIC Incubator Program (Present) Judge – Footscray Community Art Award (Present) Judge - King & Wood Mallesons Contemporary First Nations Art Award (2020-21) Board Member, Secretary – Regional Arts Australia (2019 – 2021) Participant - National Gallery of Australia’s Westfarmers Leadership Program (2017) Recipient - Trinity College Certificate of Excellence (2016) Recipient - University of Melbourne Deans Honours List (2016) Publications Contributor – New Australian Printmaking (2022) Contributor – Queer: Stories from the NGV Collection (2022) Contributor – A Show of Hands, Vogue Australia (2022) Author - Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion (2020) Contributor – ‘Off the Wall’, Vogue Australia, August Issue (2020) Contributor – Naomi Hobson ‘Payamu: To Shine’ (2020) Contributor – Tarnanthi ‘Open Hands’ (2020) Author - What’s on your Mind? Josh Muir (2019) Author - Desert Lines: Batik from Central Australia (2019)
Timeline
Curator
First Nations Art – National Gallery of Victoria
03.2021 - Current
First Nations Curator
Bendigo Art Gallery
07.2018 - 03.2021
Gallery Assistant
Alcaston Gallery
02.2018 - 07.2018
Project Office
Coen Women’s Shelter
11.2016 - 08.2016
Assistant Curator
University of Melbourne
07.2016 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology & Art History
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
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