Geraldton Regional Art Gallery welcomes new coordinator Briony Bray, 22, to bring more programs

A new leader has stepped up and taken charge of Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, and with youth on her side and lots of creative ideas, she says there’s big plans up her sleeve. Briony Bray, 22, took on the role as GRAG’s gallery and public art co-ordinator in September, coming equipped with a bachelor degree in commerce, management and art history. Ms Bray, born and raised in Perth’s hills, worked at the Zig Zag gallery in Kalamunda prior to making the move to Geraldton. She said aside from her family, there wasn’t much to leave behind and she set off to begin her dream career in arts management. “In the arts it’s really beneficial to go regional. A lot of people tend to advise that in the arts,” Ms Bray said. “It’s still a valid experience out here, it’s still quite different to Perth and the gallery space there so I thought, ‘why not’.” Coming into the role, Ms Bray discovered how big the challenge was, but is prepared to put in the hard yards and bring the community new and interesting programs. “I have lots to offer, I’ve grown up in a creative family so I’ve always been involved in the arts quite heavily,” she said. “I’m very excited to bring that knowledge from my previous experiences to this role, but also learn a lot from this community and the artists that are here.” Ms Bray said she would maintain a happy medium between showcasing local community art and different art forms. “I’m also really looking forward to building up connections with Regional Arts WA, who have a big impact up here, they work a lot with the Carnamah group North Midlands, they’re a big art project,” she said. Building the gallery’s profile and improving marketing strategies are some other tasks on her to-do list. “Social media, consistent messaging, newsletters, on that small scale but still getting the word out,” she said. Ms Bray is also excited to announce there will be more workshops and engagement inside the gallery taking place next year, providing opportunities for artists and the wider community. “Not just doing art workshops, there’s a whole range that I’ve got planned so I’m quite excited,” she said. Firstly, Ms Bray needs to focus on launching GRAG’s biggest biannual event, the Mid West Art Prize, with the gala opening night just around the corner on December 9. Sixty artists have been shortlisted as finalists. To reserve a spot visit eventbrite.com.au