Director, Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of New South Wales (the Art Gallery), one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions, is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director / Chief Executive to lead it into a new era. Located in Sydney’s cultural precinct, the Art Gallery attracts millions of visitors annually and offers a space for inspiration and discovery. Its diverse collection spans Australian and international art with a special focus on First Nations art.

The Art Gallery has recently been transformed by the Sydney Modern Project, enhancing its spaces and engaging new audiences. As it aims to strengthen its national and global position, the Art Gallery remains committed to inclusivity, artistic innovation, new technologies, and elevating First Nations art to ensure its relevance in the digital age. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a leading international cultural institution in a dynamic policy environment that prioritises cultural investment. The Director will drive the Art Gallery’s strategic vision, building on its 150-year history and maximising the potential of its expanded facilities.

Your impact:

• Championing Artistic Excellence: Lead the development and implementation of innovative curatorial strategies, showcasing significant collections of Australian, First Nations and international art, and presenting a dynamic program of temporary loan exhibitions.
• Engaging Diverse Audiences: Develop and implement strategies to connect with broader audiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art both locally and internationally, and in the digital realm.
• Strategic Leadership: Provide expert counsel to Trustees and the Minister, shaping the future direction of the Art Gallery and contributing to the growth of Sydney’s vibrant cultural landscape. A keen awareness and comprehension of the political landscape and its impact on organisational objectives are highly valued, ensuring informed decision-making and effective navigation of external influences.
• Building Partnerships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government, cultural institutions, peak industry bodies, the philanthropic world and the broader community.
• Driving Innovation: Lead the Art Gallery’s operations to international museum management standards, ensuring its long-term sustainability and growth.

Your expertise:

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with a deep understanding of both historical art and the contemporary art world and a passion for making the arts accessible for all, including those who may not have seen the impact of the arts before. You will possess:

• A demonstrated track record of strategic leadership in a major art institution or an equally complex cultural organisation.
• Exceptional curatorial vision and a commitment to artistic excellence, working with a collection and in the digital sphere.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across the cultural sector, with government, donors and other significant stakeholders.
• A deep understanding of the evolving policy landscape and its impact on the cultural sector.
• A commitment to maximising the Art Gallery’s contribution to Sydney’s cultural and economic vitality through strong collaboration across other cultural institutions in NSW

This role offers the unparalleled opportunity to live and work in Sydney, an extraordinary global city. As Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural future.