About Art Matters Now

Art Matters Now (AMN) is a tech-driven curatorial initiative that engages artists and the public in creative discussions about social issues.⁣ Currently based in Tyne and Wear, the initiative is run by a two-person team passionate about supporting artists and making culture accessible.

Rory Williams & Christie Chan 陳雍希

'I love working with Christie and Rory. I find their approach considered, highly technically skilled and hugely creative.'

I love working with Christie and Rory. I find their approach considered, highly technically skilled and hugely creative. Working alongside Art Matters Now particularly allowed me to continue sharing and developing the socially engaged elements of my work during the pandemic when traditional methods for connecting with co-authors and communities of local people have been unavailable.

LADY KITT, ARTIST

What we do

Exhibition Curation

AMN curates exhibition programmes to address social issues that matter to the contemporary world, while encouraging emerging artists to reflect on their roles in society. Simultaneously, our work entails research, artwork interpretation, exhibition installation and documentation.

360° Virtual tourS & Digital content

Alongside every exhibition that AMN physically sets up, we produce a digitised version of it for perpetual online display and documentation. As we do so, we hope to help artists who work with us reach a wider audience. We are open to collaboration with other art and cultural organisations in producing virtual exhibition tours or other forms of digital content, such as videos and interactive VR exhibitions. Please contact us to learn more.

Artist Development

With the understanding that many art graduates may find it challenging to find their footing in the art world, AMN actively strives to create professional development and exhibition opportunities for emerging artists. Our support extends to offering personalised feedback to artists participating in our exhibitions, providing them with technical assistance in workshop delivery and artwork display, as well as connecting them with other professionals in the wider arts network.

Recent Collaborations

This is a colour photograph of a garden scene with a gravel floor and hedge surrounding it. In the garden are twelve miniature sheds with a range of artistic designs. In the back of the frame, two of the sheds are sat on a covered wooden decking. Overlaying the image at the bottom is a banner containing six logos. — Shed A Light

SunSpaceArt project titles and Moon — SunSpaceArt

'Very easy, efficient and professional to work with.'

Art Matters Now supported our organisation to digitise our exhibitions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which has helped us reach new audiences and continue to produce opportunities for artists. I would happily support and work with Art Matters Now on future projects. They are very easy, efficient and professional to work with.

VINCENT TODD, DIRECTOR OF NORFOLK STREET ARTS

Who We Are

RORY WILLIAMS,
Curator & Project Director
Rory Williams is an artist and curator based in the North of England with a background in fine art. He holds an MA in Art Museum and Gallery Studies from Newcastle University. Having worked within the various art and cultural organisations across Tyne and Wear since 2017, Rory has developed professional skills and a network which support his specialisation in exhibition planning and delivery.

CHRISTIE CHAN,
Producer & Content Director
Christie Chan is an artist, writer, and digital cultural heritage researcher undertaking a SGSAH/AHRC-funded PhD at the University of Edinburgh. She co-directs Art Matters Now projects, taking lead in project publicity and content creation.