Shoair Mavlian Appointed New Director of The Photographers’ Gallery

The Photographers’ Gallery has announced the appointment of Shoair Mavlian as its new Director. Currently Director at Photoworks, Shoair will take up the post in January 2023.

As Director of Photoworks Shoair leads the strategic vision and artistic direction of the organisation including exhibitions, biennial festival, commissions, learning and engagement, publishing and digital content.

From 2011-2018 Shoair was Assistant Curator, Photography and International Art at Tate Modern, London, where she curated exhibitions including ‘Don McCullin’ (2019) ‘Shape of Light: 100 Years of Photography and Abstract Art’ (2018), ‘The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection’ (2016), ‘Conflict, Time, Photography’ (2014). While at Tate Modern she helped build the photography collection and curated collection displays enjoyed by over 5 million visitors per year.

Shoair was named in Apollo Magazine’s 40 under 40 Europe – Thinkers. She has a background in fine art photography practice and the history of photography focusing on the twentieth century, emerging contemporary practice, and work related to conflict and memory.

Matthew Stephenson, Chair of Trustees, The Photographers’ Gallery said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’m thrilled that Shoair Mavlian will lead The Photographers’ Gallery in its next chapter. As Director of Photoworks, Shoair has shown her commitment to commissioning new work, opening up photography to new audiences and activating debate about the power and relevance of photography today. This valuable experience coupled with an ambitious vision for the future of TPG, will ensure the Gallery continues to showcase the very best of international photography and inspire future generations. I have no doubt that Shoair will bring passion and drive to lead TPG and build on the exceptional legacy of departing Director Brett Rogers. In her 16 years leading TPG, Brett has tirelessly
championed photography for all and made TPG one of the most dynamic, relevant and exciting cultural spaces in London today.”

Shoair Mavlian said: “The Photographers’ Gallery is a much-loved cornerstone for the photography
community locally and internationally, I’m thrilled to be stepping into this role at a pivotal moment in the organisation’s history, having just celebrated its 50th anniversary. I look forward to working with the trustees and team to develop the important legacies of the directors before me, building a welcoming and inclusive home for photography and photographers in London for everyone to enjoy.”

Shoair will take up TPG’s reins following the recent launch of its new, permanent outdoor exhibition space, Soho Photography Quarter, which will feature a new display of large-scale works by Gideon Mendel from November 2022. The Autumn season exhibitions are Chris Killip, retrospective and An Alternative History of Photography: Works from the Solander Collection, both open until 19 February 2023.
The internationally renowned Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize will return to TPG on 3 March 2023, exhibiting work by the four shortlisted artists for 2023.