AGNSW
In a landmark move, the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) has appointed Maud Page as its first female director in its 154-year history. The announcement follows an international search for a successor to Dr Michael Brand, with Maud, the gallery’s current Deputy Director and Director of Collections, emerging as the successful candidate.
Her appointment marks a significant moment for gender representation in the arts sector. Women now lead all major galleries and museums in NSW.
Maud’s leadership is expected to drive greater collaboration with cultural institutions both locally and internationally. Since joining the gallery, she has played a pivotal role in championing First Nations art, curating major exhibitions, and securing high-profile international loans, including the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries for French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 visit. She was also instrumental in engaging more children in art, opening the Children’s Art Library and Hive Children’s Festival.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as the tenth Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, and the first woman to lead this prestigious and vibrant public institution,” Maud said on her appointment.
“I strongly believe in the transformative power of art and look forward to working with artists and colleagues at my neighbouring cultural institutions and in greater Sydney as well as further afield with regional galleries and museums across the state, to welcome new audiences and families.”
Her tenure has also seen significant growth in audience engagement, with annual visitation now reaching 2 million, placing the institution among the world’s top 30 most-visited art museums.
Prior to joining AGNSW, Maud was the deputy director, collection and exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), in Brisbane.
She is set to officially assume the role on March 28, ushering in a new chapter for the gallery.
