Zoé Whitley, director of the Chisenhale Gallery, will leave her position in March 2025 after five years, aiming to return to independent curating and writing. Her tenure included impactful exhibitions and the expansion of the gallery’s social practice initiatives, focusing on community engagement in East London.
Zoé Whitley is leaving her role as director of London’s Chisenhale Gallery after five impactful years, with her departure set for March 2025. She plans to focus on independent curating and writing, while the gallery will commence an international search for her replacement early next year. Whitley expressed pride in her contributions to the gallery’s innovative programming and its commitment to social practice, which involves working collaboratively with artists and engaging underrepresented communities in East London.
Whitley’s tenure at Chisenhale Gallery has been marked by a series of dynamic exhibitions featuring artists from diverse backgrounds, including Bruno Zhu, Alia Farid, and Simnikiwe Buhlungu. Under her leadership, the gallery expanded its publishing initiatives, producing several significant works, including a book by Joshua Leon. The gallery’s Social Practice programme aims to support artists in creating new works through engagement with communities that face barriers to art access.
Whitley steps down after a notable five years at Chisenhale Gallery, leaving behind a legacy of socially engaged art practice and substantial contributions to the contemporary art scene in London. Her departure will open up opportunities for a new director to take the helm of this influential institution, while she returns to her roots in curatorial work and writing, reflecting on the enriching experiences gained during her time at the gallery.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com