Geraldton Regional Art Gallery co-ordinator Marina Baker replaced without reason after four years in role

A council decision not to renew the contract of its gallery and public art co-ordinator, Marina Baker, has sent shockwaves throughout the local art community.

Ms Baker, a Geraldton local of 20 years and a well-respected pillar of the Mid West art scene, had worked at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery for four years but was removed last month and not given a reason why her contact was not extended.

“I’ve worked very hard for the community and we have a good exhibition program in place, and I’ve been working extensively both Statewide and nationally to create opportunities for local artists who bring exciting exhibitions to the Mid West,” Ms Baker said.

Ms Baker was notified her role was being advertised and that she could submit an application for it by a deadline.

The city then informed her they would be extending the deadline to allow additional applications to come in.

“It was at that point I felt they weren’t satisfied with my application,” she said.

“Then I was called in for a meeting on July 21 and told they had found someone else to fill the position.”

Ms Baker said she was not given a reason as to why she was not selected to continue in her role and informed her last day would the following Friday, July 28.

“I just have to recover, I didn’t see this coming,” she said.

“I had a positive performance review in June. I wasn’t given a reason and I wasn’t given time.”

The shock of the situation was made worse when Ms Baker was told the position would be vacant for more than a month while her replacement relocated to Geraldton.

“We’re going into a very busy period and I want to be there to help the staff, but I’m not,” Ms Baker said last week, on her first day away from work.

Ms Baker expressed concern for the person filling her role, as she wanted to be able to help train and assist them in their transition.

Manager of Yamaji Art, Roni Kerley, said Ms Baker’s departure was a surprise and her absence would be felt due to the time and effort she invested into the gallery, creating a lasting legacy through the exhibitions she supervised.

“Marina has been a strong advocate for the development of Aboriginal visual arts in the region and most definitely an active supporter of Yamaji Art and the Yamaji community,” she said.

Local artist and exhibition curator Roxanne Grant said Ms Baker’s contribution to the arts community was outstanding and her exit was a loss for everyone involved.

“She mentored my curatorship and she was so open to collaborating with everyone from the community,” Ms Grant said. “I just don’t know if we can get that kind of commitment from someone else.”

Ms Baker, who plans to stay in Geraldton, thanked the local community for their support and encouraged residents to become involved with GRAG.

The City of Greater Geraldton was contacted but declined to comment.