The University of Manitoba’s Gallery One One One is about to usher in an exciting new era.

On Nov. 1, 2011, Mary Reid will become the first full-time director and curator in the 46-year history of the gallery.

Reid has been a prominent member of Winnipeg’s art scene for several years, serving as the curator of contemporary art and photography at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) since 2004. She is also a member of the public art committee for the City of Winnipeg and was co-chair of the 2011 edition of Nuit Blanche at the WAG.

Prior to moving to Winnipeg, Reid was curator of the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie, Ont. and taught at Georgian College’s department of design and visual arts in Barrie. She earned her master’s degree in art history from York University in 1999.

The appointment of a full-time director comes in preparation for the unveiling of the new Gallery One One One space in the new ARTLab building. Past director Cliff Eyland had split time between curatorial duties and teaching at the U of M, but Reid will be fully devoted to the gallery.

“I am very excited about the new ARTLab being built. Given the fact that the gallery is moving into brand new space, this is the right time in the history of the school to move to a full-time director,” Reid said. “This is a step forward in my career. I really love Winnipeg and I am excited to join a respected academic institution.”

Reid has strong ties with the University of Manitoba, having previously lectured and taught here on issues in contemporary art, curating and museum practice. She emphasized that the gallery will benefit students in various areas of study.

“I want to integrate the gallery as much as possible with student and academic life at the University of Manitoba. It should be an extension of student research, but not just for art students,” Reid said. “Visual arts should be able to provide a different perspective or approach on what other people are studying.”

Reid also hoped the new space would provide an opportunity for Gallery One One One to expand its influence to areas outside of Winnipeg.