A farewell and many good wishes to Rayne Booth, Programme Curator, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios

Rayne Booth, Programme Curator at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios is leaving us to undertake an MA in Drawing at the Faculty of Fine Art at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. Temple Bar Gallery + Studios wishes her well with all ahead and thanks her for the substantial and numerous contributions she has made to TBG+S over her time here. Rayne has been with TBG+S for over ten years. Her role in shaping and growing the Organisation as part of a small team with the former Director, Claire Power and Anne Kelly (Finance Manager), set TBG+S on a new path. She has continued her role with the current team at TBG+S, being an invaluable and inspiring member of staff. She leaves a great legacy.

As Programme Curator she developed and curated the Gallery Programme featuring many highlights with Irish and international artists, in some memorable exhibitions, including Caoimhe Kilfeather, this attentive place (2014); Rhona Byrne, Huddle Tests (2015); Nathaniel Mellors, The Sophisticated Neanderthal Interview (2015); Charlotte Prodger, Stoneymollan Trail (2016); Hannah Fitz, Knock Knock (2018) and, our current exhibition, Stephen Loughman, Proven Answers (2018).

Rayne has played an important role with studio membership policy at TBG+S and undertakes ongoing engagement and support of all studio members who are a vital part of the TBG+S. She has been involved with the Recent Graduate Residency Award in supporting and mentoring emerging artists - Conor Mary Foy, Hannah Fitz, Avril Corroon and Julia Dubsky. Within a small team there are multiple and demanding tasks to attend to. Rayne has worked progressively on areas including marketing and communications, Dublin Art Book Fair, the Supporters Club, public participation and engagement programmes, and has contributed creatively and reflectively to TBG+S and its ambition to be a special place for artists and for public engagement with the work of artists. Independently, and with the support of TBG+S, she set up Dublin Gallery Map in 2014, leading to Dublin Gallery Weekend in 2015 - an ambitious city-wide initiative that received support from Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council, Dublin City Council. The inspiration for this was to support and encourage a larger and more diverse audience for the great art taking place in all the galleries throughout the city.

Friday, 7th September will be Rayne’s last day with TBG+S. We plan a celebration to mark her work and achievements and to thank her for all her work with us and her involvement with many artists over the last ten years. On behalf of all of her colleagues, artists, Board members, friends, and all who have engaged with TBG+S over the years and worked closely with Rayne, we wish her well and hope she has a great future ahead.

In the interim period, to support a smooth transition, TBG+S will appoint a Curator for six months from September - March 2019, TBG+S will then undertake an Open Call for a full time position in autumn, 2018.