Michael Dickins

Michael Dickins serves as Director and Curator of The New Gallery and University Collections at Austin Peay State University (APSU), Clarksville, Tennessee. He holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College and a BFA from Georgia Southern University. His artistic practice combines visual and sound work, focusing on layered, textured installations derived from found materials and social/political themes. As a curator, he emphasizes intellectually challenging and accessible exhibitions to provoke dialogue on cultural identity and social issues. Dickins has curated over 45 exhibitions and public art projects, including collaborations with Atlanta Contemporary and Black Mountain College. His sound works explore political rhetoric, while his visual installations like 'Wailing Wall' and 'False Promises' address contemporary societal concerns.

Education:

• MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts, Goddard College
• BFA, Georgia Southern University

Curatorial Philosophy: Dickins prioritizes exhibitions that engage communities through form and concept, aiming to spark curiosity and foster transformative experiences. His programming balances aesthetic appeal with intellectual rigor, serving both novice and experienced audiences.

Artistic Practice: Dickins' works blend drawing, printmaking, and immersive installations with sound collages, often critiquing political and social systems. Notable projects include audio installations like 'WarDrums' and site-specific installations such as 'Chime Curtain' at Flagler College.

Labs/Teams: Leads The New Gallery, which serves as a platform for experimental art and dialogue on identity issues.