Ann Lewis AO Contemporary Visual Arts International Address
18 October 2011
Julia Peyton-Jones, Director of London’s Serpentine Gallery, gives the annual address The Next Renaissance? in honour of the late Ann Lewis AO. This three year lecture series, curated by the MCA, was established to honor Ann Lewis AO (1934 – 2011) for her extraordinary contribution to contemporary art in Australia.
Peyton-Jones became Director of the Serpentine Gallery in 1991 and responsible for its groundbreaking exhibition, education and public programs such as the annual Gallery Pavilion. Established in 2000, this unique program of temporary structures has become a site for architectural experimentation involving luminaries such as Olafur Eliasson, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid and Daniel Libeskind.
Peyton-Jones claims that showcasing contemporary art is now recognised internationally as both a key commercial and cultural enterprise, in a way perhaps not seen since the Renaissance. Digital art and culture are revolutionising both the creative process and audience experience as new artistic forms are developed on a scale unprecedented since the invention of the printing press. Her 2011 address, The Next Renaissance? examined thefundamental role patronage and philanthropy play in making contemporary art a driving force; and how private support and entrepreneurialism have been the cornerstone of the Gallery’s success, allowing it to continue its ambitious programs through challenging economic times.
The address took place at the Studio, Sydney Opera House on 27 October 2011.
Supported through the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts.
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