An ’internationally recognised’ arts figure will take over Geelong Gallery from long-time director Geoffrey Edwards, its board has announced.
Jason Smith will start work on 1 May after 25 years in the art museum sector, the gallery’s board said.
“His appointment builds on Geelong Gallery’s commitment as Australia’s foremost regional gallery to presenting exhibitions of vision and national significance.”
Mr Smith will arrive in Geelong from a position as curatorial manager of Australian art at Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
He was director and chief executive officer of Heide Museum of Modern Art from 2008 to 2014 when he led a reinvigoration of its programming and artistic direction.
Previously he was Monash Gallery of Art director from 2007 to 2008 and a curator National Gallery of Victoria from 1997 to 2007.
Mr Smith has curated over 40 exhibitions and written on the work of more than 150 artists for a range of publications.
Geelong Gallery chair Terry Wills Cooke said the board was delighted with Mr Smith’s appointment.
“He brings to the community of Geelong a reputation for excellence in gallery and museum management and innovative artistic direction. The gallery’s membership and the broader community of Geelong will benefit from Jason’s vision and enthusiasm as we move into a phase of redevelopment and change for the gallery and for the arts precinct of Geelong.
“We are delighted to welcome Jason to Geelong following the retirement of long-term director Geoffrey Edwards. We are grateful to Geoffrey who established the Geelong Gallery as one of Australia’s leading regional galleries during his 15-year tenure.
Mr Smith was “honoured and delighted” with his new job in Geelong at “one of Australia’s oldest and most important public art galleries”.
“Geelong Gallery holds a magnificent collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century art of national significance, and I look forward to working to ensure its ongoing relevance to the people of Geelong and audiences throughout the state and nation.”
Mr Smith is expected to arrive in Geelong from Queensland in mid-April.
