A new face will be at the helm of the John Hansard Gallery as it moves to its purpose-built home in the heart of Southampton’s cultural quarter, as Woodrow Kernohan succeeds Professor Stephen Foster as Director of the Gallery when he retires in April after 30 years in charge.
Woodrow is currently Director and CEO of EVA International, a biennial showcase of contemporary art that takes place in public spaces across the west of Ireland. He will be in post to lead the Gallery into an exciting new phase, as it relocates to Southampton city centre in Studio 144, the new £28.5m arts venue.
Commenting on his appointment, he said:
Growing up in the region, the Gallery was a constant reference point for me and I am delighted to be returning to the area to take up this role and build on Professor Stephen Foster’s legacy.
The John Hansard Gallery opened at the University in 1980. Since then it has established a reputation for the quality of its curatorial and education programme in keeping with the world-renowned research culture of the University.
Stephen, who will have the title of Emeritus Professor conferred on him when he retires in April, welcomed the new appointment, saying: “I am delighted that Woodrow Kernohan has been chosen as my successor and I hope that the appointment will bring him at least a portion of the satisfaction, enjoyment and fulfilment that it has brought me over the years.”
Studio 144 brings the John Hansard Gallery and Nuffield Southampton Theatres into the heart of the city centre for the first time, together with media and film specialists City Eye. John Hansard Gallery and City Eye will be moving in from spring 2017, while Nuffield Southampton Theatres will be opening later in the year.
