SYDNEY.- On the riverbank in Parramatta today, the Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant, made two major announcements for the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, confirming the preferred site for the new museum and the appointment of a new Director.

The Riverbank site, also known as the old David Jones carpark, is the preferred site for the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, Parramatta, positioning the new museum in the heart of Parramatta’s central business district.

Premier Baird said this was an ideal site for an iconic museum.

“Locating the Powerhouse at Parramatta will ensure Western Sydney has a new, world-class cultural institution that will be a major drawcard for local and international visitors,” Mr Baird said.

“The site on the banks of the Parramatta River is the ideal location for the new Powerhouse Museum, which will serve as an anchor for a new arts and cultural precinct.”

The preferred site will now be subject to a detailed business case, which will provide further detail on the project timeline and budget. There is a 5-7 year timeline for completing the build on the new museum.

Leading the planning for the Museum’s next chapter will be Dolla Merrillees, as the new Director of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

President of the MAAS Board of Trustees, John Shine, said Ms Merrillees was an outstanding choice for Museum Director.

“Dolla brings a strong track record of curatorial leadership to the role, as well as a highly respected reputation for rethinking and representing collections and delivering innovative exhibitions,” said Mr Shine.

“As an experienced administrator, she has been instrumental in the Museum’s recent successes, which have seen a 14% increase in visitation to the Powerhouse Museum and over 17 new exhibitions presented.

“We look forward to working with Dolla to build an iconic museum in Parramatta.”

Ms Merrillees said she was honoured and delighted to be leading MAAS at a time of such great opportunity.

“The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences is a remarkable Australian institution with an exceptional collection. It sits at the intersection of the arts, design, science and technology and reflects the growth, changing shape and future of Sydney,” said Ms Merrillees.

“Deepening audience engagement, bringing the collections to life through hands on experiences and offering a variety of pathways through ideas and information is key.
We are a contemporary Museum for a smart and creative city and I look forward to working with Parramatta City Council and the community during the design process.”