LONDON.- The Showroom announced the appointment of its new Director, Gabriela Salgado.
Born in Argentina and based in London, over her 30-year career, Salgado has worked with an emphasis on the Global South's artistic scenes, developing projects in Latin America, Africa, Oceania and Southeast Asia, as well as focusing on researchbased and experimental art practice and interdisciplinary collaborations.
She served as Artistic Director of Te Tuhi Contemporary Art, Aotearoa New Zealand (2017-2020), curator of public programmes at Tate Modern (2006-2011), curator of the Latin American Art Collection at Essex University, UECLAA (1999-2005), and directed the Fundació Llorens Artigas in Spain (1990-1995).
As an independent curator and consultant, Salgado has directed Transatlantic Connections, a long-term programme of collaborations between African and Latin American artists. Other exhibitions highlights include Claudia Casarino, CAAM, Las Palmas, Spain, 2017; Embedded South(s) Moving image festival, Vietnam, 2016; Crosswords, Hangar, Portugal, 2016; A Serene Expectation of Light, Autograph ABP, London, 2016; Mogaje Guiju Abel Rodríguez, Prince Claus Fund, NL, 2014; La Voix de la Voix dans la Voix, dance performance for the Dakart Biennale, Senegal, 2014. She was a jury member for The Prince Claus Fund Awards, 2014-2016 and VideoBrasil Festival 2013. She was also a Guest Curator of Performance as Process at Delfina Foundation, London, 2015; Curator of La Otra Bienal, Bogotá, Colombia, 2013, and 2nd Biennale of Thessaloniki, Greece, 2009.
Andrew Renton, Chair of The Showrooms Board of Trustees says: For decades The Showroom has provided an engaging, collaborative programme that challenges what art can be and do. The Showrooms Directors and Teams have brought that mission to life by bringing artists and publics together in meaningful and creative ways through ambitious, embedded and collaborative programming. 2023 will be The Showrooms fortieth year and we are delighted Gabriela is joining the organisation leading into this milestone. Her curatorial practice is marked not only by depth of experience but also a courageous and generous vision, mapping out a truly global perspective of art practice and its discourses.
Regarding the appointment, Gabriela Salgado says: I have followed The Showrooms programme with interest over the years and am excited to contribute to its remarkable history. Its experimental and inclusive vocation particularly attracts me. I envisage a programme that will echo the challenges of our times, offer valuable opportunities for artists and audiences, and extend The Showrooms reputation.
Salgado joins The Showrooms senior team, Managing Director Seema Manchanda and Curator Lily Hall, who have led the organisation and artistic programme over the past year. Together with the team, board of trustees and wide ecology of local, national and international artists, partners, peer organisations and supporters, they welcome Salgado at this pivotal moment on the cusp of The Showrooms 40th anniversary year.