Spotlight on Dr Nina Pearlman

What is your role and what does it involve?

I manage UCL Art Collections. This is one of UCL's three public museums. I work to ensure a sustainable environment for the Museum, which holds over 10,000 pieces from the 15th century to the present day, and to increase access and visibility to the collections. They are a source of inspiration. They have the capacity to enhance knowledge and contribute to new ideas. I'd like to see them used as much as possible in teaching, research and exhibitions.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have been in role for three years, and was previously a lecturer on fine art, cultural studies and art management courses. While working on my PhD in Humanities and Cultural Studies, I was a freelance consultant, writer and curator.

What work achievement or initiative at UCL are you most proud of?

The new Lunchtime Pop-Up Displays - which have been met with enthusiasm far beyond what I could have ever anticipated.

They are a means of engaging more closely and creatively with faculty members and students from various disciplines, whilst working innovatively within the confines of a small space.

With the assistance of our team in the Strang, staff can select works from the collections which may have a personal or research relevance. With no set criteria and a minimum amount of work, our guest curators can hold lunchtime sessions where they discuss in an informal atmosphere their art selections with other staff and students.

So far displays have been produced by faculty in Earth Sciences and Science & Technology Studies, to name but a few. We are currently working with lecturers from the Bartlett. Our collaborations in teaching and research are wide reaching including Geography, History and the Slade. I hope that Pop-Up displays will inspire more staff and students to work with us.

What are your interests outside work?

Not surprisingly I spend a lot of time looking at art. I also have a keen interest in jazz and enjoy playing tennis.

The next Lunchtime display will be on Wednesday 25 May 2011 and will be delivered by Jan Birksted , Senior Lecturer of History and Theory from The Bartlett.

Links:

Slade School of Fine Art exhibition in the Strang Print Room