Mikala Tai has been announced as the new director of 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art in Sydney. She currently lectures and tutors at RMIT and University of Melbourne in Contemporary Art and Contemporary Asian Art in both the undergraduate and masters programs. She is the founding director of Supergraph – Australia’s Contemporary Graphic Art Fair and has also worked with the Melbourne Fashion Festival, Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria. She has recently submitted her PhD at UNSW Art & Design examining how the social and economic character of major Chinese cities have influenced their local art scenes.
From 4A
Mikala will move to Sydney from Melbourne to take up the new role, commencing in September 2015. With a strong background in the Asian arts field, she brings to the role a wealth of knowledge as well as extensive on ground experience and networks within the Asia region, as well as locally.
4A Chair, Edmund Capon says, “Mikala brings the ideal combination of skills, knowledge and vision, and above all a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. We look forward to her directorship of this vital institution, as we continue our leading role in presenting contemporary Asian art and supporting the Asian Australian cultural dialogue.”
Mikala’s appointment follows the departure of long time 4A Director Aaron Seeto, who has relocated to Brisbane to take up the role of Curatorial Manager, Asian and Pacific Art at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
Mikala says, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the team at 4A. I have long admired the organisation and I look forward to continuing its active role within the wider Asia region and expanding its presence nationally.”
4A Program Manager, Pedro de Almeida will remain Acting Director until Mikala’s commencement in the role in September 2015.
More on the 4A website.
–Katrina Grant
