The Contemporary Art Society has appointed Caroline Douglas as its new Director. Douglas joins CAS from the Arts Council, where she has been Head of the Arts Council Collection since 2006. She replaces outgoing Director Paul Hobson, who in September will start in his new role as Director of Modern Art Oxford.
Announcing the appointment, CAS Chairman Mark Stephens said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Caroline Douglas has agreed to join us as Director at such a pivotal time for the Contemporary Art Society, a year on from the launch of our new public programme and our first ever permanent exhibition space.
“Caroline will look to further consolidate the profile of the Contemporary Art Society as the leading organisation for collecting contemporary art in the UK. She brings with her a quite outstanding track record in developing contemporary collections, in addition to curating exhibitions for the benefit of public audiences, which is at the heart of the Contemporary Art Society’s mission.”
During her time at Arts Council Collection, Douglas secured acquisitions by artists including Jeremy Deller, Gary Hume, Wolfgang Tillmans and Grayson Perry.
Commenting on her new job, Douglas said: “I am delighted to be joining the Contemporary Art Society at this exciting moment, just a year after it moved to a new permanent home in London. The Contemporary Art Society has a distinguished history in Britain, and has played a crucial role here, supporting public institutions around the country in acquiring great contemporary art. At a time of significant art cuts, it is essential that the Contemporary Art Society continues its work for the benefit of audiences everywhere.”
Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry, a supporter of the Contemporary Art Society, said: “My art practice is entirely dependent on seeing great collections. I make no pretence of originality, only an ability to copy using a lens distorted by my own time and biography. To then see my works placed amongst those that have seeded my imagination is a great thrill and I hope that my art germinates new work in the minds of other artists. I can think of no better candidate to lead the Contemporary Art Society and ensure that the best new work enters public collections regionally.”
Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chairman of Arts Council England, commented: “We’ll miss her – it’s a shrewd appointment by the Contemporary Art Society.”
Douglas will take up her new post in October.
