University of Newcastle appoints new Senior Art Curator
Celebrated arts leader Rachael Parsons is set to join the University of Newcastle Galleries as its new Senior Art Curator and Manager from next year.
Rachael Parsons is an accomplished curator and arts executive, bringing more than 15 years of experience across curatorial practice, arts education and arts administration. She joins the University from the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), where she has served as Art Museum Director, leading strategic growth across exhibitions, collections, community engagement and organisational sustainability.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said Parsons' appointment would further strengthen the University's position as a leading cultural institution in the region.
"Rachael is an outstanding cultural leader whose experience spans major collections, public programming, education and strategic arts leadership. Her appointment comes at an exciting time for our University as we continue to grow our cultural partnerships, enrich community engagement and enhance access to our nationally significant art collection,” said Professor Zelinsky.
"As we continue to deepen partnerships with organisations such as Newcastle Art Gallery and other cultural institutions across the Hunter and regional New South Wales, Rachael will play a key role in helping us amplify the impact of arts and culture across our communities."
"Rachael brings a deep understanding of the role galleries and collections play in connecting communities, fostering creativity and supporting learning and research. We are delighted to welcome her to the University of Newcastle."
Prior to her role at NERAM, Parsons held curatorial positions with Side Gallery Brisbane and Queensland University of Technology, and co-founded an artist-run initiative that included an international residency program. She holds a Master of Arts (Research) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (First Class Honours) from Queensland University of Technology. She also currently serves as Board Chair of Arts North West and is a member of both the Regional Arts NSW Council and the Create NSW Visual Arts Board.
Reflecting on the appointment, Rachael Parsons said the decision to leave NERAM and Armidale was a difficult one, but she was excited to join the University.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the NERAM and Armidale community. At the same time, I’m excited to be joining the galleries team at the University of Newcastle, taking up new opportunities and challenges and contributing to Newcastle’s vibrant arts ecology. I look forward to the possibilities ahead and to the creative work we can achieve together,” said Ms Parsons.
Rachael Parsons will officially commence in the Senior Art Curator and Manager role from January 2027.
About the University Galleries
The University's galleries encompass three exhibition spaces across the region: Watt Space Gallery at the NUspace precinct, alongside the University Gallery and Senta Taft Hendry Museum at the Callaghan campus. Together they support a dynamic program of exhibitions, education and public engagement.
The University Art Collection comprises more than 3,600 works of art and culturally significant materials, including one of the largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art held by any Australian university. More than half the collection is now represented by works from First Nations artists across Australia.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.