Maud Page announced as first female director of Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW has appointed Maud Page as its tenth, and first female, director.

Maud Page, new director of Art Gallery of NSW. Picture: supplied by AGNSW, Anna Kucera

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The Art Gallery of NSW has welcomed the first female director in its 154-year history, claiming the appointment brings with it a “new era of leadership”.

Deputy director and director of collections Maud Page was named as the institution’s 10th director following a worldwide search. She brings two decades of experience in major public art galleries.

Ms Page joined the AGNSW in 2017, having previously worked at the Queensland Art Gallery, developed the new Gallery of Modern Art and lectured in museum studies at the University of Sydney.

Outgoing director Michael Brand will hand over the role on March 28.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the 10th director of the Art Gallery of NSW, and the first woman to lead this prestigious and vibrant public institution,” Ms Page said in a statement.

“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.”

Art Gallery of NSW Trust president Michael Rose said the appointment comes at a time of “incredible … change and growth” for the institution.

“With over two decades of experience in art galleries, Maud is highly respected both nationally and internationally for her exceptional curatorial vision and financial acumen,” he said.

“Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to community engagement, broadening cultural perspectives and attracting new audiences to public institutions for the benefit of all.”