For Immediate Release, September 14, 2000
Contact: Gloria Gottschalk, New School University
             (212) 229-5667, ext. 239

(August 15, 2000 – New York, NY) New School University announced today that Stefano Basilico has been appointed as the first full-time curator of the University’s Art Collection. Most recently, Mr. Basilico was the owner and director of the Basilico Fine Arts Gallery, a showcase for contemporary art. Mr. Basilico will oversee the University’s extensive contemporary collection.

The art collection of New School University consists of more than 1,100 pieces, many reflecting its progressive history. Most of the collection, generally representing the work of younger New York artists, is displayed in public spaces, reading rooms, and offices throughout the University. The collection is increasingly utilized for classes and exhibitions. From the José Clemente Orozco murals commissioned in 1930 to its recent inauguration of the Vera G. List sculpture garden, a collaboration of sculptor Martin Puryear and architect Michael Van Valkenberg, the New School has had a strong commitment to the visual arts.

At New School University, Mr. Basilico plans to build upon its collection of contemporary art and to increase its profile within and outside the University. Mr. Basilico remarked, "New School University provides a unique opportunity, because of its commitment to young emerging artists. I hope to engage the entire university environment— its physical plant as well as students and faculty."

Mr. Basilico has an extensive background in the field of contemporary art, having first worked at the Leo Castelli Gallery while an undergraduate at New York University, where he majored in the History of Art. Following that position, Mr. Basilico worked at Mary Boone Gallery and was Director of the distinguished Sonnabend Gallery, where he was employed for nine years. During his tenure, Mr. Basilico worked on many notable exhibitions, overseeing the European travelling exhibition of the collection of Ileana Sonnabend and helping to organize and mount the "Made in Heaven" exhibition of Jeff Koons.

During its six years of operation, Basilico Fine Arts developed an impressive roster of young, contemporary artists, being the first to represent such artists as Bonnie Collura, Tony Matelli, Matthew Ritchie and Brian Tolle, among others.

In addition to fostering the careers of young artists, Mr. Basilico mounted historical exhibitions of well-established figures - such as Alfred Jensen - and group thematic shows, including "Project Painting," a survey of contemporary painting including the work of John Currin, Carrroll Dunham, Ellen Gallagher and Lisa Yuskavage, and "Möbius Strip," an exhibition examining the permeability of the public and private spheres that included the British artists, Gillian Wearing, and Liam Gillick, as well as Rirkrit Tiravanija.

Mr. Basilico has also lectured extensively on contemporary art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Cranbrook Academy of Art and The Maryland Institute College of Art.

Prior to Mr. Basilico’s appointment, Kathleen Goncharov was the curator of the collection for thirteen years. As curator, she grew the collection to over 1,000 works. She acquired work from many well-known artists early in their careers. These artists include Lorna Simpson, David Hammons, Kiki Smith, David Wojnarowicz, Adrian Piper, and Kara Walker. In addition, she has curated numerous shows around the world, including contributions to the Venice Biennale, Cairo Biennale, and the New Delhi Triennale. Ms. Goncharov is leaving the University to pursue international independent projects.

New School University, founded in 1919, has been a leader in arts education. More than 50% of its students seek degrees in the arts. Its arts colleges include Parsons School of Design, Mannes College of Music, Actors Studio Drama School, and The New School. The University also is home to the Joffrey Ballet School/New School University B.F.A. in Dance and the New School University Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Other academic divisions of the University are the Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy, and Eugene Lang College.