Paola Anselmi on Art, Curatorship, and Lifelong Learning
Santa Maria College alumna Paola Anselmi (Class of 1983) has carved out an extraordinary path in the arts since her graduation, navigating a journey that has taken her from medical studies in Italy to a distinguished career as an independent curator, writer, and cultural development coordinator. Reflecting on her time at Santa Maria, Paola shares how her diverse experiences, unbounded curiosity, and creative spirit have been fundamental in shaping her career and life.
From Curiosity to Curatorial Passion: Santa Maria’s Role
Looking back, Paola is grateful for her parents’ support in exploring a wide range of disciplines while at Santa Maria. Though she wasn’t initially interested in being an artist, she developed a passion for creative pursuits, especially in music and theatre, which she continued throughout university. Her academic interests were equally broad. Paola loved the sciences, languages, and literature, choosing both science and language subjects when it came time to select courses for her final years.
“I didn’t have a clear career path in mind,” Paola recalls. “One week, I was drawn to medicine; the next, it was biology, then psychology.” This openness to exploration and balance between science and the arts taught Paola to think critically and strategically, skills that would later prove invaluable in her work as a curator and art historian.
A Path of Discovery: Studying and Living in Italy
After graduating from Santa Maria, Paola’s family returned to Italy, where she began studying medicine at the University of Pavia. However, her path took several turns. She shifted from medicine to glottology (the study of language evolution) and eventually found her true calling in art history after attending a lecture on the political influence of art in Europe. This newfound passion led her to the University of Western Australia, where she completed a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts & Languages.
Reflecting on this period, Paola shares, “My parents thought I might become a perpetual student, but every step brought me closer to my true path in the arts.” Her academic choices at Santa Maria, which combined science and the arts, laid the groundwork for an analytical approach to history, enabling her to appreciate both the context of historical events and the biases in contemporary interpretations.
Building a Career in the Arts
Paola’s career took off in the late 1980s when she secured an internship at the Art Gallery of Western Australia under the mentorship of Senior Curator John Stringer. “He gave me opportunities to work across specialities and never treated me as just a volunteer,” Paola recalls. This mentorship set her on a path to becoming an Assistant Curator, where she worked on her first touring exhibition about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Her curatorial career flourished, encompassing a range of national and international exhibitions. As a freelance curator, she supported emerging Western Australian artists by organising exhibitions and writing critical reviews. “For me, curatorship is about creating a narrative that allows people to see something new in art,” she explains. “I also believe in documentation – to leave a legacy that persists beyond the exhibition itself.”
A Life Dedicated to Art and Community
Today, Paola works as an Independent Curator and Public Art Coordinator, collaborating closely with Indigenous artists across Western Australia. Her role involves constant learning and community engagement, from site visits to exhibition openings, ensuring that she remains connected and inspired in her field. She finds profound fulfilment in supporting artists and contributing to cultural knowledge.
“For many years, artists and I did contra-deals, exchanging art instead of payment,” Paola recalls fondly. “I now have beautiful pieces with personal notes on the back, reminders of the friendships I’ve built in this industry.”
Memorable Projects and Unforgettable Moments
One of Paola’s proudest achievements came during her tenure as the Arts & Cultural Development Coordinator for the City of Perth, where she commissioned an illuminated artwork for the façade of Council House. The project, “Lighthouse” by WA artist Trevor Richards, transformed the building’s exterior through a dynamic light sequence. “It was an ephemeral artwork, something different from a traditional collection piece,” Paola says, proud of the project’s innovative approach.
Advice to Future Generations
Paola offers encouragement to young women considering a career in the arts: “Always follow your instinct. People might say it is too difficult, but there is always a way. Don’t be afraid of failure; it is a path to growth.” She also advises budding writers to take ownership of their work and protect their intellectual property – an essential step for building a respected career in the arts.
Finding Balance and Joy in Everyday Life
Outside of her career, Paola finds joy in simple daily rituals. She takes long walks in her community, capturing one photo a day as a personal visual diary. Music remains a passion, as she often attends concerts and still plays her electric guitar – a love that began during her time at Santa Maria. “My daily photo is a reminder of life’s beauty, of each moment,” she says.
Paola’s journey from Santa Maria to a fulfilling career in the arts is a testament to her curiosity, resilience, and staying true to her passion. Her story inspires the next generation of Santa Maria students, showing them that life in the arts can be both meaningful and impactful.
- AlumniSpotlight, AlumniStories, ArtHistory, ArtsCareer, Featured, PaolaAnselmi, TheArts
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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