Donna McColm, Head of children's programs, QAGOMA
Art, music, friends, family and food – in any order, and all at once if possible ...
Stepping into the orbit of frenzied schoolkids squealing through kangaroo facemasks would cause most adults to recoil – or at least take a moment to steady themselves. But Donna McColm doesn’t flinch. The QAGOMA staffer is so passionate about her work that she seems to appreciate every excited squawk and hurtling primary schooler. In fact, Donna says that watching guests interact and engage with the exhibitions is one of her favourite parts of the job. After starting out with the gallery as a fresh-faced intern in 2000, Donna has risen through the ranks to become head of public programs of the Children’s Art Centre (CAC) and Membership. Over the past 13 years, Donna has seen the gallery evolve into a social space where young and old can explore issues, challenge preconceptions, learn new things and, above all, appreciate art. While these days it’s hard to imagine QAGOMA without the delighted shrieks and happy little faces, it wasn’t always the case. Children had always been welcome at the gallery, but it wasn’t until 1998 that the first exhibition was dedicated to kids. It was a bold and risky move, but one that’s paid off as more than two-million pairs of small feet have walked through the gallery doors since 2000. To celebrate the 15-year milestone, the Children’s Art Centre is currently running the interactive exhibition, Kangaroo Crew, based on indigenous artist Gordon Hookey’s poignant tale The Sacred Hill. Over the buzz of the exhibition space, Donna chatted to The Weekend Edition about her favourite way to spend a weekend.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Depending on whether we have a major exhibition opening at QAGOMA on a Saturday, which means an early morning start, I like to begin my weekends by waking as late as possible, followed immediately by a coffee.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
With these colder mornings, nothing beats a hot bowl of steel-cut oats and strawberries while browsing through Flipboard.
How do you like to unwind?
Weather permitting, I like to relax in the backyard with my partner, enjoying a cup of tea, reading and watching our three chickens do their thing in the garden.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Poring over the Sydney Morning Herald crossword, pottering around the house and eating a nice meal somewhere, perhaps brunch at Woolloongabba and a stroll through the markets, or a slow-cooked dinner at home.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I’ve wanted to dine at Esquire for a long time now. But there are so many other great places popping up in Brisbane that I keep getting distracted! It’s exciting to see so many young people with a great idea and the willingness and courage to have a go.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Sunday evening is reserved for ‘guilty pleasure’ TV shows and popcorn to rejuvenate for the week ahead.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
I’m looking forward to a weekend getaway in Sydney to see Frank Ocean, check out exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Art Gallery NSW, and catch up with friends.
What are you reading at the moment?
Jack Kerouac’s semi-autobiographical first published novel, The Town and the City. It follows a family as they move from northwest of Boston to New York. The writing already hints at Kerouac’s classic style.
What inspires you?
Art, music, friends and family, and food – in any order, and all at once if possible.
What was your childhood dream?
To do something creative. Back then that meant either becoming an artist or a hairdresser.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Buying my first home with my partner. Through my role at QAGOMA, I have also been able to help develop new ways for people to engage with the visual arts and contemporary ideas, such as the Friday night Up Late events and GOMA Talks discussion evenings.
What is success to you?
Contentedness.
What are your words of wisdom?
My mum says ‘things happen for a reason’. It’s a good one to remember when things aren’t going the way you were hoping.
Only a local would know … it’s definitely worth the trip to Inala to find Brisbane’s best Vietnamese food, particularly on a Saturday when the street food vendors are operating in the civic centre.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Devonshire tea at Tlicious, South Bank.
Relax … Home.
Dine … Taro’s Ramen and Cafe, Brisbane City.
Indulge … A movie and Mövenpick ice-cream.
Shop … Woolloongabba Antique Centre and eBay.
Catch-up … Lady Marmalade, Stones Corner.
Be inspired … QAGOMA, South Bank.
