The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Chairman of National Gallery of Australia reappointed

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the reappointment of Mr  Harold Mitchell AO as Chairman of the Council of the National Gallery of Australia (NGA).

'I am very pleased that Mr Mitchell has agreed to extend his term from 20 December 2004 to 19 December 2005,' Senator Kemp said.

'This will ensure that one of the most important cultural institutions in Australia continues to benefit from Mr Mitchell's extensive experience in business and the arts.'

Mr Mitchell is Chairman of Mitchell and Partners, the largest independent media agency in Australia , and Chairman of ThoroughVisioN Pty Ltd, a leading sports and interactive rights management company.

In December 2000, Mr Mitchell launched the philanthropic Harold Mitchell Foundation to distribute funds between health and the arts.

Mr Mitchell was first appointed to the NGA Council in November 1998, and became Chairman in December 2001.

Currently he is also President of the Museums Board of Victoria and a member of the board of Opera Australia.

In recognition of Mr Mitchell's services in support of artistic and cultural endeavour, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in January 2004. Earlier, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Deakin University .

'I am delighted that the NGA will enjoy Mr Mitchell's stewardship for a further year,' Senator Kemp said.

CANBERRA
7 December 2004

Media contact: Adrian Chippindale, 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743