Tate appoints two new curators specialising in ecology and First Nations and Indigenous Art
In its ongoing mission to explore new perspectives, Tate has appointed two distinguished curators who will contribute to a broader understanding of art and culture. Marleen Boschen, with her expertise in art and ecology, and Kimberley Moulton, specializing in First Nations and Indigenous Art, have joined the Tate family to enrich our understanding of these vital areas.
Tate’s Commitment to Climate Justice: Marleen Boschen
Marleen Boschen, a curator, lecturer, and artist, has taken on the role of Adjunct Curator dedicated to art and ecology. Boschen’s work centers around the intriguing intersections between art and ecology, creating a space where these two worlds meet and interact. In 2019, she co-curated the project “Soil is an Inscribed Body: On Sovereignty and Agropoetics” at SAVVY Contemporary, Berlin, exploring land relations, anti-colonial struggles, and multispecies collaborations through artistic practice. Her ongoing collaboration with Elena Agudio on “Testing Grounds,” an artistic program on cultivation, migration, and agroecological learning in the garden of Villa Romana, Florence, demonstrates her commitment to ecological discourse.
Boschen’s academic journey, which includes a BA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design, an MA in Global Studies from Humboldt Universität in Berlin, and a PhD in Cultural Studies from Goldsmiths, University of London, has equipped her with a profound understanding of the complex relationship between art and ecology. Her appointment underscores Tate’s dedication to climate justice and the exploration of ecological issues through art.
Enriching Indigenous Art Scholarship: Kimberley Moulton
Kimberley Moulton, a Yorta Yorta woman from Australia, brings over 15 years of experience in curating and writing across historical collections and contemporary artistic practice. Her appointment as Adjunct Curator specializing in First Nations and Indigenous Art is a testament to Tate’s commitment to fostering innovative research and scholarship in this field.
Moulton’s impressive career as Senior Curator, First Peoples, at Museums Victoria showcased her ability to unite community, research, collections, and art through an Indigenous-led curatorial approach across global Indigenous communities. With 17 exhibitions at Museums Victoria, various independent projects across Australia and the USA, and co-curation of the transnational Indigenous Triennial, “Naadohbii: To Draw Water,” Moulton has proven her dedication to celebrating Indigenous art and culture.
Her role as Senior Curator and Artistic Associate for RISING Festival Melbourne led to the curation of “Shadow Spirit” in 2023, one of the largest newly commissioned exhibitions of national Indigenous art in Australia. Moulton’s influence extends to public art projects, including the revitalization of the Melbourne First Peoples Art Trams project and the expansion of Indigenous representation through art and cultural practice in the city.
Moulton’s expertise extends beyond curatorial work; she actively participates in Indigenous Arts Awards adjudication, holds state advisory roles in the cultural sector, and engages in global exchanges that empower Indigenous communities through art and cultural connections. She is also a PhD candidate in curatorial practice at the Wominjeka Djeembana Indigenous Research Lab, Monash University.
Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational
Both Marleen Boschen and Kimberley Moulton will be integral parts of the Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational, starting in September 2023. This center plays a vital role in challenging and revising dominant art histories by highlighting global exchanges of artists and ideas. Integrated within Tate Modern’s curatorial team, the Centre contributes to exhibitions, displays, acquisitions, and events across Tate’s four galleries and collaborates with a wide network of partners.
Catherine Wood, Director of Programme at Tate Modern, expressed her enthusiasm for these appointments, saying, “We are delighted to be welcoming Marleen and Kimberley as Adjunct Curators within the Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational. Their significant experience and expertise will play an important part in expanding both our knowledge of First Nations and Indigenous Art, and the intersection between art and ecology, as well as advancing our ambition to present a truly international story of art through our programme and collection.”
A New Chapter in Tate’s Journey
Tate’s commitment to embracing diverse perspectives and expanding the horizons of art history is evident in the appointment of Marleen Boschen and Kimberley Moulton. As we look forward to their contributions, it’s clear that Tate is taking another significant step in its journey towards a more inclusive and globally informed art world. The Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational, with its vision to offer new perspectives on global art histories, will undoubtedly benefit from the profound insights and expertise of these two exceptional curators. We eagerly anticipate the exciting exhibitions and projects that will emerge from this collaboration. For more information on the Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational, visit tate.org.uk/transnational.
