SYDNEY.- The director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Dr Michael Brand, today announced he will be stepping down from his position in July 2025 after leading the most significant transformation in the institution's history and cementing its reputation as one of the world’s foremost art museums.

This December, the Art Gallery marks the second anniversary of the completion of the Sydney Modern Project which included the opening of its award-winning new building, Naala Badu, and the revitalisation of the original building, Naala Nura. It was the largest cultural development in the city to open since the Sydney Opera House half a century ago and the most successful government and philanthropic partnership in the visual arts to date in Australia.

Record visitation to the expanded art museum surpassed two million in the first year of operation, placing the Art Gallery among the world’s top 30 most-visited art museums. Total visitation since the completion of the project now exceeds four million.

Dr Brand joined the Art Gallery in June 2012 as its ninth director. Under his tenure the Art Gallery has made major art acquisitions as diverse as those by Yolŋu artists from Yirrkala, paintings from the Spanish Golden Age and contemporary South Asian Art; undertook the largest art commissioning program in its history; staged an unsurpassed series of major exhibitions including those focused on Rembrandt, Matisse and Louise Bourgeois; inaugurated the new Contemporary Project series for emerging and mid-career Australian artists; achieved gender balance in the inaugural installation of Naala Badu; and ensured that there is a strong Indigenous voice throughout the expanded campus.

‘It is an honour to lead such an important public art museum as the Art Gallery of New South Wales and work with an exceptionally creative and generous community, including our staff, trustees, members, philanthropic supporters, partners and, of course, artists,’ Dr Brand said.

‘When we unveiled the Sydney Modern vision in 2013, I said it would be a green light for art, artists and audiences. I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved together in the last 12 years to create a unique art museum experience on Gadigal Country in Sydney for our local and international audiences.

‘This ambitious project is what called me back to Australia so my decision to step down next year follows much reflection. As we are now building on the success of the Sydney Modern transformation, it feels like the right time to transition to a new generation of leadership for the next exciting chapter in the history of our 153-year-old art museum.’

President of the Board of Trustees, Mr David Gonski AC, applauded Brand’s leadership and commitment to transforming the Art Gallery for future generations.

‘Michael Brand’s contribution to our Art Gallery has been immense. We are indebted to his ambition and vision to create a globally significant art museum in Sydney,’ said Mr Gonski.

‘I am also deeply grateful for Michael's considered planning to continue as director until mid-2025 to ensure a smooth leadership transition with a new board president commencing at the beginning of next year.’

Mr Gonski, who completes his term in December, said a national and international search for a new director will commence soon, to ensure it is underway for the new president (when appointed) to oversee and bring to a conclusion.

Prior to his appointment at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Brand led the Aga Khan Museum during its construction in Toronto and, before that, was director of the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles (2005–10) and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond (2000–05). He started his career as curator of Asian art at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra (1988–96).

A scholar of Indian and Islamic art, architecture and landscape design, Dr Brand has been a member of the Bizot Group of International Art Museum Directors since 2005. His professional affiliations also include the Council of Australian Art Museum Directors, the Australian Institute of Art History and the Australian National University, where he is an honorary professor.