Mimie Baharuddin is at the forefront of Malaysian art events and management. Working since 2008 under the label of HOM Art Trans (previously known as House of MATAHATI), Mimie specializes in managing personnel as well as group-based curatorial and management efforts. Active throughout Southeast Asia, Mimie is also experienced in handling international exhibitions and residency programs, including projects in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).

 

Born in the southern parts of the Malay Peninsula, Mimie is at the center of the cultural crossroads within the Asian region. Graduated with a degree in Administration and Marketing, however, it is in the field of Fine Arts that appealed to her. As her arena of choice, she injects her passion into the management and advancement of the Fine Arts field.

 

Among the artists and projects that benefited under her management are Bayu Utomo Radjikin (HOM Director), the MATAHATI Collective, HOM Residency (SAGE Residency (SAGER), International Residency (INTERes) & Artists Residency (A-Res)), Matahati Art Award (Malaysia Emerging Artist Award), and Matahati Art Fund (Artriangle).

 

We are excited to share her world and inspiration with you!

 

ARTO Movement (AM): Ms. Mimie, please tell us a bit about your background?

 

Mimie Baharuddin (MB): I chose to further my studies in the arts streams since my secondary years up until my undergraduate studies. I graduated with a Bachelor Studies in Management, Majoring in Marketing from Faculty of Economics and Management, UPM.

 

 

As soon as I graduated, I was hired as an outsource Assistant Advisor for a finance company. There I was able to utilize my management skills as I did several jobs in a week. My typical week looks a lot like this; Monday, I will be at Cheras, working for a security company, Tuesday I will be at Wisma Central to manage a multi-branch restaurant, I will be at Shah Alam on Wednesday to work with an insurance company. That was a typical week for me; juggle jobs to make a living. Can you believe that I have to handle and manage three companies in a week? (Laugh)

 

I continued in the economic field but focusing more on management and administration. During this period I became active in Women’s Development Collective; a non-government organization (NGO) that focuses on women's and children’s’ issues and rights. This initiative also engaged with Rukun Tetangga (Community Mediation) as well as social, educational, health, environmental, welfare, art, culture, economy, and public safety concerns. In the course of this period, I also handled the administration of an event of clean and fair elections called BERSIH.

 

Apart from management and administration, I also got involved in the art industry as a freelancer; where I became a traditional Malay dancer, a florist and an event coordinator for weddings. Before I finally ventured into the creative industry, I had a short stint in a factory.

 

Throughout this array of work experiences, I developed a strong passion for arts; thanks to my sister who is an artist herself. My sister initially guided me in this field. Thereafter, I started to attend exhibitions, met artists, and participated in workshops and art sharing sessions.

 

I would count my involvement in managing projects and supervise a gallery as part of my professional achievements. I have been managing and working closely with curators, writers, and artists since 2008. From these encounters I have gained practical skills in administration, handling artworks, marketing, promotion, and et cetera. HOM Art Trans (previously known as Galeri Matahati to House of Matahati) was where it all started.

 

After the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears that I put in it, I realized that this is it… this is my career.

(www.urusandua.com)

 

AM: Who influenced you to be part of the Malaysian art scene? 

 

MB: Aisyah Baharuddin is the one to thank for. She is the one that influenced and guided me towards my journey in arts. By the way, Aisyah Baharuddin is my sister. With her help and guidance, I started to visit galleries, attended opening receptions and art talks, met with artists and participated in several art workshops locally and internationally.

 

AM: Why do you want to be an art manager?

 

MB: I have always had a special interest and very passionate about both arts and management. I believe that management is important in any field especially in the art field as it is a must to keep track and organize.

 

AM: What do you think of art management in Malaysia? 

 

MB: Art and management are two different things and require a different set of skills. As for me with a management background, I do understand art people easily, but that is not the case for most art people. Some of them find management is something that is not important and refuses to understand the importance of it. We need more people that can manage and organize art (events, exhibitions, and et cetera) properly and orderly. It is important to note that, we need a good support system (management people) that can plan and manage the art scene.

 

AM: How interested (exposed) are Malaysians (artists) in art management? 

 

MB: It is difficult for me to answer for Malaysians as a whole but from my own perspective, I can say that some of them are quite interested in the idea of management, especially the one that had experienced it (handling art exhibitions or events). In terms of exposure, Malaysians (artists) especially young artists are not well exposed to it.

 

AM: What are the challenges faced by an art manager and how to overcome it?

 

MB: As for an art manager, among the challenges that we face are lack of guidelines to follow and lack opportunities to learn and be better (in Malaysia). We have very limited universities that provide art management as their course or subject.

 

In order to rise above this hurdle, one must get started to know and learn about the industry. Get involved with the local art community (artists, galleries, art collectives, and et cetera). Go for an internship with local art galleries or organizations (be it profit-based or not). Start to mingle around with art managers that work in art galleries or museums. These are excellent ways to meet people and to immerse themselves in the local art community. Aside from internship with local art galleries, you can also go for mentoring and be the apprentice for senior artists. Learn from the best and be the best, right? 

 

Most importantly, communicate and build a relationship. Our visual art scene thrives on relationships… good relationships take time to develop, so it is best to start now. Trust me!

 

AM: What do you think of our neighboring art scene?

 

MB: We are like 70 years apart. (Laugh) Indonesia has been progressing for quite sometimes. The visual art culture there is very much different than here. In Yogyakarta alone, they have an art opening almost every night.

 

AM: Do you think the government is supportive of the art industry?

 

MB: The government is quite supportive especially in films and music. But if it is about the visual arts, I do think the government needs to step up a bit. The government needs to help and join hands with the National Visual Art Gallery (NVAG) in organizing; consulting and collaborating for events, policies and et cetera that will help boost the Malaysian art scene. 

 

AM: Before we part ways, can you give some encouragement especially to future artists and readers of  #Borak-Borak Session?

 

MB: I would like to wish all the best for your team. Keep on engaging with other collectives and activists. It is such an interesting viewpoint to listen and engage with people from a different perspective. As for the (future) artists, enough living in your own cocoon and please, never let your ego control you and always keep in check of your ‘artistic ego. Break the mold or cocoon; it is ok to be different. Break the rules sometimes. You have to learn all sorts of skills – managing, writing, curating and et cetera. We all have bills to pay, make a living out of this (art). It is not too late to change for the better.

 

I am not giving up on you (Malaysian art scene), so why should you? You guys always have a special place in my heart… always.