We are thrilled to introduce our successful Ocean Pathways 2024 participants; Logan Bobongie as Education Producer at UQ Art Museum and Kieara Quintal as Assistant Curator at Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Earlier this year University of Queensland Art Museum (UQ Art Museum) and the Art Gallery of New South Wales announced the significant Oceans Pathway 2024–25 partnership to support longform professional development of outstanding contemporary First Nations arts education and curatorial practice.
This unique pathway program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artsworkers aims to nurture early-career individuals who are passionate about developing meaningful and fulfilling careers in the arts, along with understanding and developing their leadership and community responsibilities. The Oceans Pathway initiative has grown out of sustained cross-institutional engagement with global and Great Ocean First Nations artists and practices.
At UQ Art Museum, we’re delighted to welcome Logan Bobongie as Education Producer.
Logan Bobongie is a Wakka Wakka and Australian South Sea Islander woman and is passionate about connecting and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through community engagement. Logan has previously held positions at Aboriginal Art Co., Queensland Museum and Artspace Mackay.
“During my time in Brisbane, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to several exciting projects and collaborating with incredible teams. Many may know me as the Program Coordinator at Aboriginal Art Co, a not-for-profit gallery dedicated to promoting First Nations artists. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to work with artists at various stages of their careers, helping to amplify their artistic practices.”
Most recently, I worked with Queensland Museum on their exhibition Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islander. Working with Imelda Miller on this significant project gave me the incredible chance to connect with leading artists such as Darren Blackman, Luther Cora, Kyra Manktelow, Dylan Mooney, Jasmine Togo-Brisby, and Joella Warkill. Being part of this exhibition was an amazing experience, allowing me to celebrate and showcase my own Australian South Sea Islander identity.”
Further south, Kieara Quintal has been welcomed as Assistant Curator in First Nations art (local and global) at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Kieara Quintal is an experienced cross-cultural Ngunnawal artist and programmer who resides on the south coast of New South Wales, Dharawal Country. For the past two years, Kieara has been employed as an Indigenous Educator and Assistant Programs Producer for First Nations art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Kieara has actively contributed to programs showcasing the diversity of First Nations art in Australia, including Home: Aboriginal Art from New South Wales.
Kieara’s passion has developed into fostering connections and promoting truth-telling through collaborative spaces for First Nation Australians and global Indigenous communities. She intends to integrate this passion into her new role as Assistant Curator, First Nations Art (local and global) at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Congratulations to our inaugural participants, and to all who took part in the competitive recruitment process. We look forward to sharing updates on their journeys as part of the Oceans Pathway Program!
