NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin has announced that Dr Michael Brand has been reappointed as director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW).
Brand was initially appointed for a period of five years and during this time the AGNSW embarked on the Sydney Modern Project, an ambitious expansion and new building initiative timed for completion in 2021 to coincide with the Gallery’s 150th anniversary.
“With the Gallery set to undergo a once in a generation expansion, Michael’s passion for the project made him an obvious choice to guide our magnificent cultural institution,” said Don Harwin, NSW Minister for the Arts, in his statement.
In a statement released Brand said, “It’s a privilege and an honour to lead the Art Gallery of New South Wales. I’m very excited to be guiding this much-loved art museum into a new era. Many people work alongside me supporting my vision for the Gallery, which includes the important role we play as part of Australia’s national culture.”
The Sydney Modern State Significant Development Application is with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Minister for Planning, and their determination is due sometime in the second half of 2018.
The AGNSW has pledged to raise $100 million for the project. To date their capital campaign has raised $88 million. Funds from the NSW Government make up most of the budget for what Harwin’s statement described as “the $344 million Sydney Modern project.”
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