Simone Hesselberg
Simone Hesselberg is an emergent artist/curator/instigator whose work is centered around support structures, with a focus on alternative pedagogies, collaboration, and co-mentoring. Inspired by forms found in construction, her work is informed by an investigation of physical and social support structures. Through a cyclical model of making/curating/mentoring, she explores ways that she can support, and be supported by, peers and collaborators.
Simone is based in Bristol and holds an BA in Fine Art (Oxford Brookes University) and MA in Curating (University of the West of England). Simone has curated a number of projects, including a series of visual arts salons, supported by Reading International & the University of Reading. In 2019 she undertook a year-long curatorial placement at Spike Island where she supported solo exhibitions including Libita Clayton, Meriç Algün and Veronika Ryan, alongside co-curating a number of artist development projects. In 2021 she initiated Co-, a non-hierarchical, interdisciplinary collective to explore creative strategies for collaboration and skill-sharing as tools to support and enrich new, unexpected ideas. In addition to her independent practice, Simone is currently a Creative Producer, Project Manager and Residency Co-ordinator for arts organisations in the South West.
Simone Hesselberg CV
Spike Island Associate & studio holder at St Anne’s House, Bristol
Education
2019-2020: MA Curating (Distinction) University of the West of England
2012-2015: BA (Hons) Fine Art (Upper Second Class) Oxford Brookes University
2011-2012: BTEC Diploma in Art & Design Henley College
Work
2024-Present: Creative Producer (Community Building), Bath Spa University
2023-Present: Project Manager (WEVAA), Spike Island Artspace
2023-Present: Porthleven Prize Coordinator, Bath Spa University
2022-Present: Associate Lecturer, Bath Spa University
2021-Present: Events Assistant, Bricks
2017-Present: Independent Curator
2022-2024: Research Assistant, Bath Spa University
2021-2022: Art Programme Assistant, Creative Youth Network
2020-2021: Volunteer Youth Worker, Creative Youth Network
2020-2021: Programme Support Assistant (Art and Design), UWE
2019-2021: Front of House Assistant, Spike Island Artspace
2019-2020: Curatorial Trainee, Spike Island Artspace
2016-2019: Programming Team Member, Rising Sun Arts Centre
2014-2017: Visitor Assistant, Modern Art Oxford
2013-2014: Gallery Assistant, The Jam Factory, Oxford
Awards and Residencies
2024: new.platform art Professional Development Programme
2023-2024: Critical Mass//SCULPT Mark Devereux Projects
2023: a-n Professional Development Bursary
2022: Exchange II Participant (Spike Island)
2021: Gane Trust Grant
2021: Spike Island/UWE Graduate Bursary
2018: Arts Council England Grants for the Arts
2018: University of Reading Arts Bursary (Staff Bursary)
Selected Projects
2024-Present: The Value of Artists (Professional Development & Outreach), Producer, Bath Spa Uni
2023-Present: Doing Together (Symposium), Producer, Bath Spa Uni
2023-Present: Dependent Machines, Research Assistant and Producer, Bath Spa Uni
2022-Present: Young Artists Summer Programme, Producer, Bath Spa Uni
2022-Present: WEVAA Wednesdays (workshops, talks and networking opportunities), Producer, Bath Spa Uni
2023: Friends with Benefits, Workshop Facilitator, Doing Together Symposium, Bath Spa Uni
2023: Dream House, Co-curator (artist Frances Willoughby), Centrespace Gallery, Bristol
2022: Studio Tenants Exhibition, Curator, The Island, Bristol
2022: MA Degree Show, Curator, Bath Spa Uni
2021: Co-, Collaborative studio-based creative development project, St Annes House, Bristol
2019: Engagement project with Creative Youth Network, Curator, Spike Island, Bristol
2019: PLAYING THE SYSTEM with Spike Island Associates, Co-curator, Tate Exchange & Spike Island
2018: Here Comes the Sun Festival, Curator (commissions) Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading
2018: OUT OF BOUNDS: beyond the walls of the art school, Curator, Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading
2018: Fusion: a one-day salon with art, sound and people, Curator, Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading
2017: Tiramisu, Rising Sun Arts Centre, Curator, Reading
2017: ICY:RUS, Rising Sun Arts Centre, Curator, Reading