Sarah Joyce and Gordon Duggan have curated works by more than 200 artists from dozens of countries around the world during their decade at the helm of the New Media Gallery – but they are getting set to embark on a new adventure.
In May 2014, the City of New Westminster announced that Joyce and Duggan would be the new director/curator team at the gallery, which was set to focus on contemporary art that uses new media and technology, including video art, sound art, light art, robotic art, and web art. The pair are wrapping up their work at the gallery and getting set to embark on their next challenge.
“All good things must come to an end. We are embarking on a new experiment. After a decade as directors and curators of New Media Gallery, our final public day will be Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. We hope you will drop by to say good-bye and have a glass of punch,” they said in a Dec. 2 goodbye message. “In 2025, we are excited to begin focusing on our own personal research, writing and curatorial projects which will take us between London and Canada. Since we have had the privilege to meet or work with so many of you, we'll leave you with some final words and a very sincere thank you.”
Prior to taking on their roles with the New Media Gallery in 2014, the husband-and-wife team had previously held high-level positions in the iconic modern art galleries in London, England. Joyce’s previous roles included being a conservator at London's famed Tate Modern Gallery, and Duggan was the electronic media manager for the Lisson Gallery, one of the oldest contemporary commercial galleries in the United Kingdom.
They were excited to bring new media art to New Westminster’s Anvil Centre, explaining it was a medium that uses technology and unconventional materials to convey ideas.
“In 2014 we were given the opportunity to imagine what a new media gallery could be,” said their goodbye statement.
First hired as contract director-curators, the duo was hired as staff director-curators in 2016.
“For a decade we've curated, designed, and helped build 35 exhibitions, presenting the work of over 200 artists from all over the world. Around each exhibition we have worked with staff, artists, and organizations to develop openings, performances, artist talks, educational programs, and discussions,” said the goodbye statement. “We now realize that a strong, like-minded community has also formed around New Media Gallery, embracing the gallery and us. You are our community. We find this very moving.”
According to Joyce and Duggan, the gallery’s mandate has been defined by a personal practice they describe as “radical curatorial engagement” – a practice that is predicated on generosity and belief in the profound value of contemporary art and ideas for everyone.
“Central to this is the notion that curators and directors should walk the public through exhibitions on a daily basis, sharing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm for art. We believe this results in better exhibitions, better galleries, and better curator/directors,” said their statement. “For us it is a rigorous practice, performed every workday for 10 years. We do many things, but this is the most important thing we do. It is holistic, humane, and democratic.”
The New Media Gallery is located next to the New Westminster Museum and Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in Anvil Centre.
“It has been a privilege to bring such extraordinary new media art and artists to New Westminster and Vancouver. An international following has developed and we now welcome national and international visitors to this small gallery. In January, the gallery will go on hiatus. We send our best wishes for the future.”
The Record has contacted the City of New Westminster for comment about its future plans for the New Media Gallery.
Ashleigh Young, the city’s manager of communications, said the city is working with Duggan and Joyce to ensure a smooth transition.
“Scheduled art and technology programs will continue in the coming months,” she said. “The gallery will be on hiatus into 2025. We will be taking some time and connecting with the community to consider the future opportunities of the gallery and its connection to the city’s cultural offerings. This connects with our recent Anvil 10-year review engagement and ongoing implementation of recommendations.”
More to come.
