Angela Goddard to take helm at Cairns Art Gallery in major appointment

From championing First Nations art to delivering innovative exhibitions, Cairns Art Gallery has named its new gallery director. Meet Angela Goddard.

The Cairns Art Gallery Precinct Board has announced the appointment of Angela Goddard as its new Gallery Director, commencing in early 2026. Picture: Supplied.

A nationally recognised museum director will take the helm at Cairns Art Gallery after the previous director stepped down earlier this year.

The gallery has named Griffith University Art Museum director Angela Goddard as its new gallery director.

Cairns Art Gallery Precinct Board chair Doug McKinstry said Ms Goddard would play a key role in elevating the precinct’s artistic directions and community engagement.

“Angela is widely respected across Australia for her exceptional leadership, and commitment to enriching public access to the arts. We are delighted to welcome her to Cairns,” Mr McKinstry said.

Angela Goddard will bring national experience to her leadership at Cairns Art Gallery.

“Her nationally recognised scholarship and leadership, combined with her passion for partnerships and collaborative working methods, are exceptional qualities that will help guide the Gallery Precinct into its next phase of growth and impact and realise our vision of cultural leadership for Northern Australia.”

The Cairns Gallery Precinct connects three heritage listed buildings comprising Cairns Art Gallery, Court House Gallery and the former Mulgrave Shire Council Chambers (Mulgrave Gallery) in the Cairns city centre, to create a dynamic and world class gallery precinct.

Ms Goddard said she was honoured to be joining the precinct.

“I am thrilled to take up this opportunity. Cairns offers a remarkable confluence of place, people and possibility,” Ms Goddard said.

“I look forward to working with the team and community to deepen the Precinct’s impact locally, nationally and internationally.”

Ms Goddard has extensive experience in museum and gallery management, curatorial practice, and public programming, and will commence in the role in early 2026.

Her appointment comes after former Cairns Art Gallery director Angela May Churcher stepped down from the role earlier this year.

Ms May Churcher, who was in charge for 14 years, helped bring world-class exhibitions to Cairns, including the Archibald Prize exhibition­ in its first venture outside NSW and Victoria, Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series, Andy Warhol, Ellis Rowan, Brett Whiteley, and the Archie 100.

Originally published as Angela Goddard to take helm at Cairns Art Gallery in major appointment