Ute Meta Bauer, curator and MIT professor, will spearhead the new art centre at Gillman Barracks, which officially opens on Oct 23.

Chosen after a global search, the 55-year-old Bauer was an Associate Professor for Visual Art at MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning. One of her most recent stints was as Dean of the School Of Fine Arts at London’s Royal College of Art. Bauer has over 25 years of experience in the global contemporary art scene. She was artistic director of the 3rd Berlin Biennale for contemporary art, a co-curator for Documenta11.

On her new role, Bauer said: “The Centre for Contemporary Art aims to serve as a cross-disciplinary platform merging the exhibition of contemporary art with a significant investment in research. Its residency and fellowship programme will bring together a diversity of creative intellectuals from around the world, including artists, writers, curators, researchers and academics to share, collaborate and exchange.

“Having visited the region frequently over the last 20 years, it is a unique opportunity for me to be part of this founding team. I am excited to embark on my new role and look forward to working closely with my many knowledgeable colleagues to give shape to this new landmark centre.”

Ute Meta Bauer. Photo: Christine Fenzl