Revealed: Lismore Gallery‘s new director was the ‘standout choice’ among applicants

“I feel very privileged and excited to take on this role. I’m also excited about becoming a Lismore resident myself,” the new Lismore Regional Gallery director said.

Established in 1953, Lismore Regional Gallery is one of the oldest regional galleries in New South Wales.

Ashleigh Ralph has been appointed as the new director of the Lismore Regional Gallery, effective from 28 June.

Lismore Mayor Vanessa Ekins confirmed the nomination.

“I am very excited about Ashleigh joining us to help guide the gallery into the future. We had lots of applications for the role and Ashleigh was the standout choice,” she said.

“Brisbane Institute of Modern Art’s loss is definitely our gain.”

Ashleigh Ralph was the assistant director, Development and Operations at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Brisbane, Australia’s oldest independent contemporary art space, before taking up the position with the Lismore Regional Gallery.

Ashleigh Ralph has been confirmed as the new director of he Lismore Gallery.

She has been involved with the IMA since 2011, when she began volunteering for the organisation.

Ashleigh was also founder and director of Innerspace Contemporary Art (ICA), a roaming gallery that has exhibited a sporadic, curated schedule of work by early-career artists since 2017.

Prior to this, she was assistant curator at UAP, and has worked at Griffith University Art Museum, Edwina Corlette Gallery, and the University of Queensland Art Museum.

Ms Ralph holds a Bachelor of Arts, Art History with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland.

The new director said she had lived in Brisbane her whole life, and had visited Lismore on many occasions.

“Brett Adlington did an amazing job getting it (the gallery) to what it is now,” she said.

“I love the green area the front and the quadrangle. I know there has been heaps of programs and I’m excited at the idea of activating that space a bit more and involve the community on what that could look like, as well.”

Ms Ralph said she knew the Northern Rivers community was resilient, creative and passionate.

“I think it’s really important to explore what the community has been through, the creativity that is present in the area,” she said.

“For me, (the role) is about putting Lismore in dialogue with the rest of human art and culture in Australia.

“I I feel very privileged and excited to take on this role. I’m also excited about becoming a Lismore resident myself,” she said.

“With its distinctive and innovative program, Lismore Regional Gallery plays an important role in the region and I am thrilled to be appointed as its next director.

“I look forward to bringing fresh energy to the gallery and working closely with the community, staff, and the council to further enrich the gallery’s reputation.”

“My vision is to provide a professional and accessible platform for artists to present their stories – a platform that allows for meaningful audience engagement through creative excellence.

“I hope to work with the Widjabul Wiabal people of Bundjalung nation by showcasing their connection to land, water, community and the arts through a collaborative artistic program.”

After more than a decade at the helm of the Lismore Regional Gallery, former director Brett Adlington left the role in March to become chief executive of Museums & Galleries NSW.

Established in 1953, Lismore Regional Gallery is one of the oldest regional galleries in NSW.