New curatorial and programs directors have been announced by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS). Peter Denham, Director of the Museum of Brisbane, has been appointed Director, Curatorial, Collections & Exhibitions and Tristan Sharp, with over 15 years’ experience in arts education and programming, has been appointed as a Director of Programs and Engagement.

MAAS Director, Dolla Merrillees, said the appointments came at a key time for the Museum.

“With Museum visitation on the rise there is increased public appetite for engagement with the MAAS collection, be it through exhibitions or our public and education programs. Both Peter and Tristan join the MAAS team at an exciting period in the Museum’s growth. The curatorial and programs teams will each play a key role in the planning and implementation of MAAS Parramatta. We are very pleased to welcome them both to our team.”

Peter Denham joins MAAS with over 25 years’ experience in the cultural sector. His curatorial experience includes roles at Queensland Art Gallery, Cairns Regional Gallery and National Gallery of Victoria. He has been at the Museum of Brisbane since 2006. Under his Directorship the Museum has won several exhibition awards and undergone a major building restoration and building project.

Peter studied at the Royal Society of Arts in London and holds a Master of Arts in Cultural Leadership from Griffith University, where he was awarded an Academic Excellence award. In 2015 Peter was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, which saw him travel to more than 100 museums around the world. He has been widely published and has held Board positions with Queensland Art Workers Alliance and Flying Arts and currently holds a position on an Advisory Board for the Griffith University Centre for Social and Cultural Research.

Tristan Sharp comes to MAAS with over 15 years’ experience in public engagement and education programming in both the public and private sector with a strong focus on delivery and customer service/audience engagement. With a background in arts education, Tristan has held roles at Campbelltown Bicentennial Art Gallery, Newcastle Art Gallery, Art Gallery New South Wales, Australia Council and most recently Westpac Group.

Tristan began his career as a Visual Arts Teacher and holds a Master of Arts Administration from the University of New South Wales. He has curated several exhibitions and has received industry awards from Museums Australia and the Art Gallery Society of NSW.

Peter and Tristan join the MAAS Executive alongside Dolla Merrillees, MAAS Director, Leann Meiers Director Development & External Affairs, Andrew Elliott, Director Corporate Resources and CFO, and Michael Parry, Director MAAS Parramatta Project.