Gallery NWC is another cog in the wheel for Nationwide Curating owner Katherine Kennedy
Article by Anne Blair-Hickman
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"When one of our regional artists has found a new buyer based in Sydney, I know I have served them well." Katherine Kennedy
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Image by Eddy Summers Photography 2023
Artists from the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Mudgee and Central Coast in NSW were featured in the first exhibition at Gallery NWC which launched in February 2023. Many of the contributing artists had never exhibited in the Sydney metropolitan area and so this exhibition extended their reach by having a new audience view their work. On the flip side, those living in the city could see and buy art not normally available in their locality.
For many rural artists like Lisa Kennedy, the opportunity to have her work viewed by a fresh audience in the Sydney area was exciting yet daunting; “There’s a raw and intense vulnerability in showing the world what you have created, yet it brings me incredible joy” (Lisa Kennedy).
This approach was a conscious decision by Gallery NWC Director Katherine Kennedy of Nationwide Curating, who is passionate about helping artists launch their careers. Exposing Nationwide Curating listed artists to new viewers through Gallery NWC is just one method Katherine has employed. With over 14 years’ experience working in the arts industry, she has also built a successful partnership with WOTSO Workspaces converting common spaces into art galleries with three monthly exhibition rotations. With four activated galleries across three sites in Pyrmont, Neutral Bay and North Strathfield’s Bakehouse Quarter, this innovative approach has fused work-life with art appreciation and even acquisition for over twelve months and counting. This also means artists on display in a WOTSO location, can also have their work in St Leonards at the same time in turn driving traffic between gallery sites.
"Imagine finding the perfect artwork for your home hanging in your workplace and being able to purchase this by scanning a QR code fixed upon the wall". Katherine Kennedy
Katherine is setting her own course rather than following traditional methods for viewing and selling art further to what the market already offers. "Imagine finding the perfect artwork for your home hanging in your workplace and being able to purchase this by scanning a QR code fixed upon the wall", Katherine explains. This seamless, hassle-free transaction experience is one of the many benefits afforded to customers who purchase art through Nationwide Curating—Artwork delivery services through the business' delivery van, 'Must-Hang Sally', is another option clients can elect to take up. Further to this, Katherine is passionate about supporting the artists she represents with regular ‘Meet the artist’ events, held within all exhibition spaces, in conversation with each displayed body of work.
Gallery NWC enables the Nationwide Curating team to have an office base in the heart of the city—A great testing ground for the viability of galleries in North Sydney. Katherine's desire is to connect with the local community and hopes her expertise in the arts will help facilitate a cross-pollination between and within metropolitan Sydney and the regions.
Gallery NWC is located at 62 Atchison Street, St Leonards NSW 2065.
Open Thursdays - Fridays 10am-4pm + Saturdays - Sundays 12pm - 4pm (extended hours during exhibitions)
Contact the gallery: info@nationwidecurating.com