ADELAIDE.- The Art Gallery of South Australia today announced the resignation of Director Nick Mitzevich, following almost eight years at the helm of the Art Gallery of South Australia.

The Art Gallery of South Australia has flourished under his leadership and his accomplishments leave a lasting legacy and a transformed public institution. His achievements include the renewal of private giving, growth in attendances to almost 800,000 per year and a dynamic acquisitions strategy that has seen more than 4,200 works of art enter the State’s collection.

Furthermore, the Gallery’s current strengths include the exhibition of Impressionist masterpieces from the renowned Musée d’Orsay resplendently displayed in the Elder Wing and flagship exhibitions like the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art, that reaffirm the institution’s position as a leader in the realisation and presentation of contemporary Australian art.

Chair, Tracey Whiting says ‘Eight years ago the Gallery had the vision to change direction and purposefully sought to appoint a Director who could re-invigorate public interest and public discourse around art in society. Nick was the perfectchoice.’

‘He leaves the Gallery in a strong position, on the brink of a major capital project for the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site. The Board is excited by the prospect of appointing a Director who can realise the vision of a new Gallery, someone with relevant experience in managing a billion-dollar art collection, an immensely talented curatorial team and building an iconic institution with a global impact’, Ms Whiting says.

Nick Mitzevich says ‘It has been an honour to lead one of the country’s most progressive cultural institutions and I am grateful for the trust and support that has allowed me to flourish in this role. Adelaide has a history of embracing the new and taking risks. This culture has, in recent years propelled and sustained the Art Gallery of South Australia. Adelaide’s strong tradition of cultural philanthropy has created an ideal environment to achieve ambitious goals and champion the role of art in people’s lives. I am proud to have led what has been a collective achievement and to have made my contribution.’

Recruitment for Director at the Art Gallery of South Australia will commence in April 2018. During the transition period, Mark Horton, Deputy Director and Lisa Slade, Assistant Director, Artistic Programs have been appointed acting co-Directors of the Art Gallery.

Eminent Australian arts administrator and Adelaide Contemporary design competition Chair, Michael Lynch AO CBE has also been appointed as Special Advisor to the Art Gallery Board to assist with the delivery of the new Gallery.