Aditya Sisodia
Manchester’s renowned Whitworth Gallery has announced the appointment of Sook-Kyung Lee as its new director. Lee, currently serving as a senior curator at London’s Tate Modern, will bring her expertise and experience to lead the innovative and audience-focused art institution. The Whitworth, part of the University of Manchester, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1889. With Lee’s arrival, the gallery aims to strengthen its artistic rigour, expand its global connections, and continue using art as a catalyst for positive social change.
Sook-Kyung Lee Courtesy:Roger Sinek
During her tenure at Tate Modern, Sook-Kyung Lee has curated numerous major exhibitions and displays, contributing significantly to Tate’s international art collection strategy. Her work has showcased a keen understanding of contemporary art and its cultural significance. Lee’s expertise in curating transcultural art experiences has been highly valued, making her an ideal candidate to lead the Whitworth Gallery.
Courtesy: Alan Williams
In her new role as director, Lee will assume her responsibilities at The Whitworth in August. Expressing her admiration for the gallery’s commitment to working with local communities and using art for positive social change, Lee aims to further develop the institution’s artistic rigour and social impact. Additionally, she intends to expand the gallery’s global connections, leveraging the dedicated staff and the University of Manchester’s resources.
The Whitworth has earned its reputation as one of the most innovative and audience-focused art institutions in both the UK and internationally. Lee recognises and appreciates the gallery’s dedication to engaging with local communities. By fostering collaborations and partnerships, she plans to amplify the positive influence of art in society. Lee’s goal is to create a platform where diverse voices are represented and celebrated, making art more accessible and relevant to a broader audience.
Lee acknowledges the importance of establishing global connections for the Whitworth Gallery. Through collaborations with international artists, institutions, and communities, she envisions enriching the gallery’s programming and furthering its impact on the global art scene. By fostering dialogue and exchange, Whitworth can become a hub for transcultural artistic experiences, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse artistic practices.
In recognition of her expertise and contributions to the field of curating, the University of Manchester has appointed Sook-Kyung Lee as an honorary professor of transcultural curating. This partnership between Lee and the university reinforces the gallery’s commitment to academic excellence and research-led curatorial practices. The collaboration will undoubtedly provide opportunities for students and researchers to engage with cutting-edge curatorial methodologies.
Nalin Thakkar, the University of Manchester’s vice president for social responsibility, expresses excitement about Lee’s appointment, emphasising that it presents a fantastic opportunity to build on Whitworth’s international reputation as a leading cultural institution. With Lee’s leadership, the gallery is poised to attract increased attention and recognition from the global art community. Her vision aligns with Whitworth’s commitment to artistic excellence, social impact, and community engagement, ensuring its continued success and relevance.
Sook-Kyung Lee’s appointment as the director of Manchester’s Whitworth Gallery marks an exciting new chapter for the institution. Her experience at Tate Modern, combined with her passion for transcultural curating and positive social change, positions her as the ideal candidate to lead the gallery’s artistic development and global expansion. Whitworth’s commitment to innovation, audience engagement, and community collaboration will undoubtedly thrive under Lee’s guidance, further solidifying its position as a renowned cultural institution within the UK and beyond.
Published in blooloop
