Echo, by Susie MacMurrary, 2006
a site specific installation for St Mary's Church, York commissioned by York Museums Trust
I manage a large, designated collection of fine and decorative arts, dating from the 14th century to the present day - as well as an associated library and archive. During 2004 I led the re-display of York Art Gallery (budget £472,000) creating a new interpretative scheme for the collections and the creation of a new practical art space for schools, as well as a new café. I produced and we now follow a five year documentation programme in line with Accrediation standards. I identify and raise funds for new acquisitions for both collections and the library. I line manage two assistant curators, a part time researcher and freelance technical staff as well as short term placements and volunteers.
I am member of the Museums Association; Secretary for the Art Museum Directors' Conference and a committee member for Contemporary Art North in association with the Contemporary Art Society. I established and chair an art curators group for Yorkshire. I write regular reviews for the Museums Journal and occasional articles for Museum Practice and Apollo magasines. In 2004 I was a member of the Museums Association working panel "Using Collections" whose findings contributed to the report "Collections for the Future". I am a Distance Learning tutor for Leicester University's MA in Museum Studies with further pastoral responsibility for several mature students.
