OXFORD.- Modern Art Oxford has appointed Emma Ridgway as Head of Programme, replacing Sally Shaw who becomes Director of Firstsite, Colchester. Emma played a key role in developing Modern Art Oxford’s 50th anniversary programme, KALEIDOSCOPE when she covered the post at Modern Art Oxford during Sally’s maternity leave last year. Being appointed to post on a permanent basis from April 2016, Emma will continue to deliver the programme and work on shaping it for 2017 and beyond.

Paul Hobson, Director of Modern Art Oxford, said: 'I am absolutely delighted that Emma is joining the team at Modern Art Oxford as Head of Programme, especially as we mark our 50th Anniversary. Emma brings considerable curatorial expertise and experience which will build the excellence of our programmes, in combination with a strong track record in learning and participation work to deepen our work with local audiences.'

Emma Ridgway is a curator and creative educator who creates visual arts and interdisciplinary events to generate fresh perspectives on contemporary life. She comes to Modern Art Oxford from the Barbican Centre, London where she was Creative Learning Curator, developing and leading experimental projects including the Arts School Lab for professional artists and the Barbican Art Book working with hundreds of school children in East London. She also curated theatre events and has written about the relevance of art – from Bauhaus to Rain Room. Emma was formerly curator of Arts and Ecology at The RSA, Public Programmes and Exhibition Organiser at the Serpentine Gallery and curator with Khoj in New Delhi.

In 2016, Modern Art Oxford celebrates 50 years as an internationally acclaimed powerhouse of contemporary visual culture. KALEIDOSCOPE is a year long series of interlinking shows, performances and events, reflecting on some of the great moments in Modern Art Oxford’s history.

The second exhibition in KALEIDOSCOPE, A Moment of Grace, opens on 16 April 2016.