New leadership at NSW Cultural Institutions

Released in December 2023 the Creative Communities policy commits to a whole-of-government approach to sustainably grow the creative industries - to advocate for, invest in and enable the creative and cultural ecosystem across the state to realise its potential.

Collectively, the state’s Cultural Institutions reach across all disciplines within the creative industries, engaging almost 19 million visitors annually through their doors, and supporting over 2,500 direct jobs.

New appointments are:

• Michael Rose AM, Chairman of the Committee for Sydney and Greater Sydney Parklands Authority appointed as President of the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees.
• The Hon. Peter Collins,former Minister for the Arts, and former Treasurer, appointed to the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees
• Emile Sherman,Academy Award winning producer, appointed to the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees
• Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM,Australia’s Chief Scientist, appointed to the Australian Museum Trust
• The Hon. David Borger,former Minister for Education and Minister for Transport,appointed as Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trust President
• Linda Scott, former City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, appointedas Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trustee
• Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills and former Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor, appointed as Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trustee
• The Hon. Bob Carr, former NSW Premier, NSW Minister for the Arts and former Minister for Foreign Affairs, appointed as Chair of the Museums of History NSW
• The Hon. Rob Stokes,formerMinister for Cities, Minister for Education, Minister for Planning and Public Spacesappointed to the Museums of History NSW board
• The Hon. Bob Debus AM, former Minister Assisting the Minister for Arts, appointed as Library Council President
• Professor Jennifer Barrett, University of SydneyPro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous (Academic) appointed to the State Library of NSW Library Council
• Troy Bramston, senior columnist with The Australian newspaper, appointed to the State Library of NSW Library Council

Minister for Arts John Graham said: 

“I wish to thank each of the outgoing trustees and presidents. The government and the people of NSW are fortunate that you have generously volunteered your time, your expertise, your networks and your passion.

“In particular, I would like to acknowledge the work of the outgoing chairs and presidents – David Gonski, Peter Collins, George Souris and Mary O’Kane. As an incoming Minister I have relied upon each of you for your advice. Your contributions are a gift of public service to support culture.

“A year after the launch of Creative Communities, the NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries policy, I am pleased to have an opportunity to appoint a number of new chairs and boards of key state institutions. I look forward to working with them to implement the policy and grow the creative industries in NSW.”

Incoming chair of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Michael Rose said:

“The Art Gallery of New South Wales plays an important role in the cultural and creative life of Sydney. Its influence and significance have strengthened under David Gonski’s leadership.

“I am honoured to be appointed to succeed David as President of the Board of Trustees and I am looking forward to working with the trustees and the Art Gallery’s executive team as the Art Gallery continues its extraordinary work and extends its invitation to even wider audiences across Sydney, Australia and the world.”

Outgoing chair of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, David Gonski said:

“The Art Gallery of New South Wales is in my view the beating cultural heart of Sydney. Every director, president, trustee, staff member and artist who has, over the Art Gallery’s more than 150-year history, walked its floors has contributed to the evolution of this beloved and vital institution. It has been a privilege to witness the Art Gallery’s transformation into a truly world class art museum enriching Sydney’s cultural life and positioning itself to continue to serve the people of New South Wales for generations to come.”

Incoming chair of the Museums of History NSW, Bob Carr said:

“My affection for and fascination with history is well known. I spoke last week at my first board meeting about elevating history in NSW, engaging with the public about history. Not about any single enforced narrative, but on the basis that history is many stories and they jostle with one another.

Outgoing chair of the Museums of History NSW, Mary O’Kane said:

"It has been my privilege to chair the board of Museums of History NSW, the State's first cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of our history. Museums of History NSW has an important role in making history accessible, through our archives, heritage properties and collections.

“Bob Carr is the perfect appointment for MHNSW. I wish him and the Board well in their continued work in enhancing opportunities for people to understand and participate in the history of NSW." 

Incoming chair of the State Library of New South Wales, Bob Debus said:

“I cherish the great cultural institutions of our state and it’s a particular honour to be moving to this position at the State Library. I think libraries are getting more important, not less, as the technological revolution continues.”

Outgoing chair of the State Library of New South Wales, George Souris said

“The Library’s reputation and its position in the CBD of Sydney makes it a magnet for scholars, researchers and students alike, and its regular exhibitions offer the people of NSW and tourists something that always astounds the visitor by the unexpected extent of the treasures held,”

“I applaud the appointment of former Arts Minister Bob Debus; he is the perfect appointment to continue to enhance the standing and place making of this greatly loved public institution,”

Incoming President of the Powerhouse Museum Trust, David Borger said:

“After serving on the Powerhouse Museum Trust for the past six years, I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of President. The Powerhouse Museum is Australia’s largest museum group and occupies a special place in the cultural landscape of NSW. Over the new few years, we will open Powerhouse Parramatta, the state’s first cultural institution in Western Sydney which will engage audiences of all ages with spectacular exhibitions across the applied arts and sciences. This iconic new museum will transform Parramatta’s CBD and attract visitors from overseas and interstate to Western Sydney. We will also reopen the much-loved Powerhouse Ultimo after a heritage revitalization, reorienting the museum’s entrance to enliven the local area and attract a new generation of visitors.”

Outgoing President of the Powerhouse Museum Trust, the Hon. Peter Collins AM KC said

“The Powerhouse Museum Trust President is entrusted with guiding the nation’s leading applied arts and sciences museum, and it has been my great honor and privilege to serve in this role for the past four years as this 143-year-old institution undergoes an unprecedented renewal. The Powerhouse is a beloved institution, and it will be a transformative presence in Western Sydney when the visionary new museum Powerhouse Parramatta opens. I’m pleased to hand over the baton as Trust President to my fellow Trustee David Borger who I know will do a wonderful job guiding the museum in the lead-up to opening Powerhouse Parramatta and reopening Powerhouse Ultimo.”

Background

The NSW Cultural Institutions are the: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australian Museum, Museum of Applied Arts and Applied Sciences (the Powerhouse Museum), Museums of History NSW, State Library of NSW, Sydney Opera House.

Destination NSW has also seen a refresh of their board.

Below is a summary of recent new or renewed appointments: