The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts was founded in 1978 at the University of East Anglia when Lord and Lady Sainsbury gifted their collection of art dating from prehistory to the twentieth century. In May 2022, John Ellerman Foundation awarded £124,677 over three years to the Sainsbury’s Centre for Visual Arts, towards the costs of a new curatorial post – Curator of Art and Climate Sciences.
Wishing the collection to remain together, the Sainsburys gave the collection to the University of East Anglia (UEA) with the aim that the collection could be viewed across space and time – rather than limited to eras and artists.
There are a limited number of curatorial posts in UK museums and art galleries dedicated to environmentalism or climate sciences, although there are some science and natural history museums that are undertaking active research in the area. This role is the first of its kind in an art museum. The post is also supported by The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, based at the University of East Anglia, which has previously worked with artists to communicate about climate sciences.
The Curator of Art and Climate Sciences will deliver an ambitious exhibition and book towards the end of the three-year period. The exhibition will address new climate science research via material culture. The Curator of Art and Climate Sciences will also feed into current strategic discussions at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts about developing the Sculpture Park and will be invited to propose artists to work with the Park.
This grant demonstrated a clear curatorial focus and a commitment to supporting the development of curatorial skills and expertise both within the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, but in the sector more widely too. The role will be an important addition to the team and sector.
On their experience of applying to us, Jago Cooper, Executive Director at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts said: “I am thrilled to have partnered with John Ellerman Foundation on this exciting and ambitious project. With their support we are delighted to have appointed the fantastic Ken Paranada to the role of Curator of Art and Climate Change, the first full-time role of its kind in the UK. Since arriving Ken has already transformed how Art can be used to engage and inspire new audiences with the challenges and opportunities of our transforming planet.”