We’re all itching for things to get back to whatever our post-rona normal is going to be, but nobody moreso than Rocky Art Gallery staff Natalie Parker and Madeline Brewer, who have both secured overseas work placements when the world opens up again.

Public Programs Officer Natalie has been awarded an internship with the Barbican arts centre in the UK, and Curatorial Assistant Madeline has secured a curatorial residency with Easttopics, an eastern European art network based in Hungary.

Funded by the Gordon Darling Foundation, Natalie’s internship is with the Creative Learning Department of The Barbican, of one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions. The internship will build on her existing research with a variety of Australian galleries into how centres handle programing, ticketing and engaging with their audiences.

Natalie said that the Barbican is a world-class arts and learning organisation, which pushes the boundaries of all major art forms.

“Its Creative Learning programme supports people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their creative voices though workshops and events. I am excited to explore the Barbican’s practice and use this to develop learning and engagement opportunities at Rockhampton Museum of Art.

“Like most cultural institutions around the world, currently the Barbican is closed due to Covid-19. It is a shame that I won’t get to go this year, but we have postponed my two-week placement until early 2021 and I am still very excited and grateful for the opportunity,” she said.

Madeline Brewer was to be working with Easttopics at their locations in Budapest (Hungary) and Bratislava (Slovakia), however the residency has been postponed until later this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like Natalie, I am disappointed my residency has been postponed, however, being digitally connected and knowing that this opportunity is on the horizon is a good feeling.” Madeline said.

Madeline said the she feels that one of the reasons she may have been successful in her application was her experience working in a regional gallery.

“I am excited to share my knowledge about engaging smaller communities.

This residency will now be a good opportunity to learn how art spaces can remain adaptable and continue to represent regional artists and the wider community.”

Rockhampton Regional Council CEO Evan Pardon congratulated Natalie and Madeline on their placements.

“The insights that Natalie and Madeline will bring back with them will be of immense benefit here in the Rockhampton Region as we head towards the opening of the Rockhampton Museum of Art,” he said.