Sheila McGregor
Director
Role at Axis
I'm responsible for our overall strategic and artistic direction. We offer artists a versatile and influential digital platform for promoting their practice, making sure that their work is seen by the widest possible audience both in the UK and internationally. Promotion and brokerage are the essence of what we do.
We're always delighted to hear about successes, especially if Axis has played a part in bringing them about. It's wonderful to have such an overview of, and privileged insight into, the work that artists are currently making.
Background
I joined Axis in 2009, following several years of freelance work in the visual arts for organisations such as the Contemporary Art Society, Tate and engage (the National Association for Gallery Education).
Before that I worked as a curator and senior manager in local authority galleries, most recently as a leading member of the team that developed The New Art Gallery Walsall. My experience also includes university teaching in Birmingham and Nottingham, art historical research (mainly into early 20th century Scottish art) and writing.
I studied History and French as an undergraduate and did a post-graduate degree in Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Art, followed by a Museum Studies qualification from the University of Manchester.
Outside my work at Axis, I was Chair of Sheffield Contemporary Art Forum from 2006-12 and served on the Board of Yorkshire ArtSpace Society for several years. I'm also a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts.
Website I like...
I’m a YouTube addict. For sheer functionality (as opposed to fun), it’s hard to beat the German Railways website.
Favourite art place…
Would have to be the Bauhaus in Dessau, which I first saw on holiday in East Germany in the 1980s. It's beautiful. And did you know that they now offer cheap (if a bit spartan) B&B accommodation?
Most useful technology...
My single lens reflex digital camera, because it makes me look like good photographer, which I'm not.
Contact Sheila by emailing sheila@axisweb.org
