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.

New Chair for National Gallery of Australia

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the appointment of Rupert Myer as the chair of the Council of the National Gallery of Australia.

“I am delighted that Mr Myer has accepted this appointment,” Senator Kemp said.

“He brings an exceptional blend of business skills and experience in the arts to the position.”

Mr Myer is the Chair of the Myer Family Company. He has been a member of the National Gallery of Australia Council since September 2003 and of the board of the National Gallery of Australia Foundation since March 2004. He has previously served as a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria and as a member of the board of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Mr Myer chaired the Australian Government’s Contemporary Visual Arts and Craft Inquiry from July 2001 to June 2002.

The report of this inquiry, now known as the Myer Report, was a landmark report for the visual arts and craft sector. It examined the cultural and economic contribution of visual arts and crafts activity in Australia and made recommendations on key issues that will impact on the sustainability, development and promotion of the sector as a whole.

The Myer Report received strong endorsement from those involved in producing and promoting contemporary visual arts and crafts and instigated a $39 million funding commitment from the Australian, state and territory governments. For more information on Myer Report visit www.dcita.gov.au/arts/arts/cvac_inquiry/strategy.

“Mr Myer has made a significant contribution to the arts and culture and I look forward to the further contribution to Australia’s cultural life that he will make over the next three years,” Senator Kemp said.

Mr Myer thanked outgoing Chairman, Harold Mitchell, for the legacy he will be leaving at the NGA and he was looking forward to working with the NGA, its Council and Director, Ron Radford.

“I would like to express my personal appreciation to the former Chairman of the NGA, Mr Harold Mitchell, who has done such an outstanding job. During Harold’s time, the Gallery has grown both in importance and prominence through key acquisitions and exhibitions,” Mr Myer said.

MELBOURNE
18 December 2005
Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276