Leslie Menagh is the RMG’s new Manager, Public Programs & ArtReach. Prior to joining us, she was working as an artist, as well as in theatre, film, artist-run-centres, festivals and cultural organizations. Stop by and welcome Leslie to the RMG team!
The RMG: What were you up to before the RMG?
Leslie: Wearing many hats. I was running a home-based studio/arts venue called Eddy Creak (still am) for the presentation of live music and visual art. I’d been privately costuming for theatre and film and for years, working as a videographer, and quietly as an artist myself. Freelancing as an art educator has also been in my repertoire, as has volunteering for numerous artist-run-centres, festivals, and cultural organizations. I’m a bona fide art tart. One of my beloved Peterborough places is Artspace, where I’ve been volunteering for years and recently and proudly joined their Board of Directors.
The RMG: What drew you to the museum sector?
Leslie: My interests are so diverse. I think the best part of working in this sector is that there is the potential to engage with any subject, story, object, or idea. It suits my interdisciplinary soul.
The RMG: What is your favourite museum?
Leslie: I had an opportunity to visit Paris a few years ago, and spent an afternoon at The Decorative Arts Museum. They were doing a phenomenal feature on jewellery spanning thousands of years. Most of the displays were dramatically lit in darkened rooms. The building itself – part of the complex that hosts the Louvre – was equally enchanting, and rich with architectural vistas and haunting acoustics. Unforgettable.
The RMG: What is your first memory of art?
Leslie: I’d have to say music. My father is a musical conductor and I grew up watching him wave his arms at choirs, bands, and theatre groups. There are photos in my parents’ home of my sister and I toddling around a stage at his feet.
The RMG: What is the one thing you want to share with people about the RMG?
Leslie: The Art Lab residency program through Gallery A is such a golden, professional development opportunity for artists. It’s FREE, very straight forward to apply, and once you’re here, setting up studio visits and an artist talk provides invaluable exposure.
