Big Country Radio The effervescent Susi Muddiman

By Madeleine Murray

WE ARE so lucky to have the Tweed Regional Gallery (TRG) here in the shire.

Not only is it a stimulating, gorgeous place, but the TRG attracts about 100,000 visitors annually to the Tweed Shire.

First, Doug and Margot Anthony gave that incredibly generous gift of land overlooking bends in the river, caramel-coloured cows, and mountains beyond: a pastoral idyll.

Then Margaret Olley bequeathed $1-million and 33,000 items from her house in Paddington to recreate three rooms in a new gallery wing. And we have Susi Muddiman OAM, the brilliant director whose vitality and verve give the gallery such energy.

A director’s job involves curating shows, balancing the budget, attracting donors, and so much more.

The Weekly caught up with the Lismore-born Susi who took time out from her busy day to chat.

You’re clearly not a snob, more of a down-toearth country girl?

I certainly hope I’m not a snob. I’d like to think I am pretty down to earth, but I also love to visit big cities. I love a sequin and a wine bar. You love champagne, how do you keep it fizzy?

I do! I have a collection of champagne stoppers. The best way to ensure champagne remains bubbly though is to finish the bottle!

What do you like about being director of the TRG?

I will always enjoy the responses from our visitors to our exhibitions and programs. Always. I am blessed with incredible staff to work with — all fabulous individuals.

It’s a job with so many facets, how do you organise your time and work?

Every day is different, and despite the fact that

I dutifully block out time to get work done on specific projects, invariably it never, ever works out that way. Let’s just say I respond very well to deadlines!

What about the Margaret Olley bequest?

The Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC) was a game-changer for the Gallery, and for the region. The re-creation of Margaret Olley’s home studio is unique for a regional gallery in Australia, and has attracted so many visitors. The significance of the Wollumbin and Bundjalung art prizes?

The Wollumbin Art Award and the prize money of $30,000 provides an incredible boost for any artist. I am particularly pleased that we were able to introduce the Bundjalung Award for First Nations artists.

A genuine joy was the Wollumbin Youth Art Award, supported by the Friends of the Gallery.

A part from the MOAC, and the art prizes, what is your greatest achievement at the TRG?

I am thrilled that the Artist in Residence Studio program was included in the MOAC build in 2014 as I think it is a wonderful program, especially set in this stunning landscape.

I’d also like to think there’s much more to achieve ahead.

What’s coming up later in the year?

It’s the 100th anniversary of Margaret Olley’s birthday in 2023, so a terrific lineup of exhibitions in the Olley Centre. There is the Olive Cotton Photography show, Michael Philp’s solo exhibition, plus the survey show of the fantastic Byron School of Art. So much more too… Finally, what do you think of the Tweed Valley Weekly?

It’s a terrific overview of news and what’s on in the region. I go to the arts and culture pages, and the Tweed Link. There are often some great recipes in there too.