Tess Maunder

Tess Maunder is a contemporary art curator and writer based in Brisbane. She currently works as Public Programs and Publications Officer at the Institute of Modern Art. In this role she has worked with internationally renowned contemporary theorists, curators and artists in the delivery of exhibitions, public programs and publications for the institution.

In 2012, Tess started her own publication called The Maximilian, with peer Laura Brown and has since, used the publication as leverage to begin a publishing partnership called Approximating with other editors from Indonesia, The Philippines and India. In 2012, she was awarded the Art and Australia writers program, and was mentored by Rachel Kent, Chief Curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Australia. In 2013, Maunder participated in the 5th Gwangju Biennale International Curator Course in South Korea. Also in 2013, she was selected to represented Australia at the Independent Curators International Course held at Mori Art Museum, Tokyo.

In 2014, the Queensland State Government honoured Tess for her achievement to the arts. Tess has an independent curatorial practice and regularly writes art criticism and contributes to publications. Tess is interested in thinking about contemporary art as an avenue for broadening social awareness and cultural understanding.