Catherine Brenner stands down from board of NSW Art Gallery

It’s now two boards that Catherine Brenner is off, the former AMP chairman standing down from the Art Gallery of NSW.

Former AMP Chairman Catherine Brenner. Picture: AAP

Former AMP boss Catherine Brenner stood down today from the Art Gallery of NSW’s board of trustees just hours after she resigned as chairman of the financial services giant.

Brenner was appointed to the gallery’s board last January, and her term had been due to expire at the end of 2019. But in the wake of revelations in the banking royal commission, she contacted NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin to step down from that board until the commission delivers its interim report later this year.

“Catherine feels stepping aside from the board is appropriate while the Royal Commission continues its work,” Mr Harwin said.

“I have accepted Ms Brenner’s offer. Catherine has been a valued member of the Art Gallery of NSW Board. Her contributions to the Art Gallery of NSW have been exemplary and her decision to step aside is a reflection of her desire to put the interests of the gallery first.”

The growing scandal engulfing AMP at the royal commission quickly put into focus Brenner’s role at the Sydney gallery, which is engaged in a multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign to help build its Sydney Modern extension.

Like other major gallery boards, the Art Gallery of NSW is led by several heavyweight business figures, including David Gonski as president. Other board members include Mark Nelson, Gretel Packer, Andrew Roberts and Samantha Meers. Ben Quilty and Khadim Ali are the only artists on the board.

Her decision to stand down today means Ms Brennan will avoid the spectacle of judging this year’s Archibald Prize winner under the shadow of the financial services controversy. Finalists for the annual prize will be announced this Thursday.