Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, today announced the appointment of the Hon Ian Callinan AC QC to the National Gallery of Australia Council for a three year term.

“Ian Callinan’s extensive and distinguished service to the arts and the law makes him an excellent addition to the National Gallery Council,” Senator Brandis said.

“Given his expertise, I expect Mr Callinan will make a very valuable contribution to the governance and future directions of the National Gallery.”

Ian Callinan has been a committed art collector for the past 45 years. He has also served in a number of cultural roles, including Honorary Chairman and Trustee of the Brisbane Community Arts Centre and Chairman of the Trustees of the Queensland Art Gallery.

Currently a presiding member of the Australian Defence Force Academy Consultative Council, Mr Callinan recently retired as a Justice of the High Court of Australia. He is a published novelist and several of his plays have been produced in Brisbane.

The National Gallery of Australia is an Australian Government agency and plays a national leadership role in collecting and exhibiting local, national and international art works.

To read more about the National Gallery of Australia visit www.nga.gov.au

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248
8 October 2007
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