Professor appointed to lead new art institute

Professor Christine Borland is an artist with a global reputation who herself was nominated for the Turner Prize in 1997. Her practice explores art, ethics, medical humanities and bio-politics.

The Institute of Contemporary Art is the result of a collaborative - and what is believed to be entirely unique - partnership between BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the University.

It was formally recognised in October at a launch event which featured the prestigious Turner Prize 2011 exhibition as its backdrop.

Professor Borland studied at The Glasgow School of Art and University of Ulster in Belfast. She has since collaborated with the Medical Research Council's Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, the Medical School at Glasgow University and the Peninsula Medical School in Cornwall.

Her work has been shown internationally in numerous museums and large-scale exhibitions including the Centre for Contemporary Art of South Australia, Kunstverein Munich, Germany, the Fabric Workshop & Museum, Philadelphia, ICA London and at the Lyon Biennial, Manifesta 2, Venice Biennale and Münster Skulpturen Projekte 3.

Her solo shows include SimBodies & NoBodies Galeria Toni Tapies, Barcelona (2010) and at Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast (2009) and With Practise Newlyn Art Gallery, Penzance (2007).

In her new role as BALTIC Professor, Christine will play a key role in leading and developing research in contemporary visual art, as well as contributing strategically to the University’s research vision.

Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: “I am delighted to welcome Christine to Northumbria University and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

“Under her leadership, the new Institute will provide world-class learning and mentorship in contemporary art PhD research.

“I believe it will be enormously attractive to students on an international level by bringing together research excellence and leading artistic practice.”

As a result of the creation of the new Institute, students will have access to a unique fusion of art and artists of the highest calibre as well as the highest quality teaching and BALTIC’s notable library, its archive and curatorial teams.

It is hoped Northumbria’s appeal as the university of choice for undergraduate, Masters and PhD study and research in art will be greatly enhanced.

At the same time, Christine’s appointment as BALTIC Professor will enable the Centre itself to extend its educational programme so it can guide and encourage participation in visual art from pre-school all the way to advanced study.

Godfrey Worsdale, Director, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, added: “Given the very recent development of BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art’s partnership with Northumbria University, it is a tremendous achievement to have secured an artist as highly regarded as Christine Borland to be BALTIC Professor.

“Over 20 years, Christine has demonstrated a range and depth of practice, which indicates that she will be an immeasurable asset not only to the partnership but to the objectives of both organisations.”