This month, local photographer Sarah Haskell has nominated Claire Fremann, volunteer Curator at Curwen’s Not for Profit Art Gallery in Royston high street, for a local recognition award.
This is especially fitting as September marks Royston Arts Festival month, and Claire has curated the latest exhibition there, Jennie Vee Student’s artwork.
Why you are nominating Claire Fremann? I’ve nominated Claire for Local Recognition as a mark of appreciation for all she does for the creative arts in the area. I met Claire a year ago, soon after she had taken on this volunteer role, and have witnessed the transformation of the gallery into a cultural focal point for local artists.
What makes Claire stand out in her role ? Claire is an artist herself which means she understands the importance of having accessible exhibition space and a platform for showcasing talent. Over the last 12 months or so, it has been Claire’s inherent positivity and enthusiasm which, coupled with her seemingly boundless energy, has driven the success of the gallery.
Can you share an example of how Claire goes above and beyond in her role? Claire has adopted a fair approach that ensures all artists get an equitable opportunity to exhibit. The gallery has regular opening hours and a dedicated local following with artists booked to exhibit well into next year. She has set up a local artist network which was originally intended as a way of making it easier to contact her artists, but that is now a vibrant, supportive community network in its own right. To raise the profile of the gallery and its artists further, Claire has used marketing and social media to great effect and is now testing the boundaries of technology with creativity driven by AI.
Why do you think Claire deserves to be recognised? Claire, with characteristic determination to succeed, has made the Curator role her own. Looking back over the last year, many artists have had the opportunity to exhibit, artists that many people would not have seen without her dedication. Claire is a tour-de-force, personally and professionally, and has made significant personal investment of time, of interest, of motivation in her ‘creatives’, (supported by The Listing Magazine, naturally!) Merci beaucoup, Madame Conservatrice! x
Claire herself says, “It’s been a real privilege to support local artists, whether they’re just starting out or more experienced, by giving them a place to showcase and sell their work without any cost. I believe that creativity, in any form, is vital for mental health and community connection. That’s why I do it. In March, I was honoured to receive an award from the Mayor for this work, and even more touched to have been visited by three different Mayors since I started in April 2024. The gallery is for everyone – from hobbyists to professionals – and I feel proud to offer a supportive, welcoming space.”
Curwens Gallery will reopen for the Royston Arts Festival, on Saturdays 20th and 27th of September from 10am to 1pm.
