80002

Former Director and Chief Executive of the National Art School, Steven Alderton has been appointed as Mosman Art Gallery Director and Mosman Council's Manager of Cultural Services.

Alderton, an experienced gallery director, curator and cultural professional, brings more than 30 years' experience across Australia and internationally in museums, public collections and contemporary cultural institutions, having led transformational change through curatorial innovation, institutional leadership and a deep commitment to public value, cultural storytelling and audience engagement.

Previous roles also included as Deputy Director and Director of Programs, Exhibitions and Cultural Collections at the Australian Museum; festival and multi-exhibition program work at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre; and a role as Director of Lismore Regional Gallery.

Alderton has curated major exhibitions featuring artists such as Tracey Moffatt, Ricky Swallow, John Olsen, Ian Fairweather, Margaret Olley, William Robinson and Nicholas Harding, among others. He has collaborated with leading institutions including the Biennale of Sydney, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Asia Triennial Manchester, as well as private and regional collections.

His work in collections has extended across the Australian Museum, National Art School, Lismore Regional Gallery, Wagga Wagga City Art Gallery, Redland Art Gallery, Bundaberg Art Centre, and numerous private holdings.

In addition to his curatorial and directorial work, Alderton has made major contributions to the arts sector through governance, advocacy and strategic advisory roles. He has also served on numerous boards and committees at local, state and federal levels.

Alderton enthused "I'm excited to be joining Mosman Art Gallery, which has an outstanding reputation across the broader arts and cultural community.

"From the high calibre of artists to the quality of exhibitions, in particular the Mosman Art Prize, which is regarded as the premier open painting prize in Australia, and the vast and engaged network of members, supporters, sponsors, friends and volunteers, the gallery has an exciting future and I look forward to being part of its next chapter."

Mosman Art Gallery is a dedicated public gallery established by Mosman Council.

Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber said Alderton 's creative vision for cultural institutions, and wealth of experience delivering major arts projects and international exhibitions, combined with a background in education, research and cultural development, would be a great asset for Mosman.

Mayor Kimber noted "Mosman's strong community support for the arts and culture is at the heart of the gallery's success.

"Steven's experience and focus on community, storytelling and the evolving role of collections in shaping cultural identity will help foster and enhance this ongoing connection, while steering the gallery to a bright future."

Alderton will commence his role at Mosman in May. He replaces John Cheeseman, who retired at the end of February after 15 years of service to the gallery and council.

Related Articles

28th May 2015 - Mosman Art Gallery wins top museums and galleries award

22nd March 2025 - Maud Page appointed as 10th director of Art Gallery of NSW

11th March 2025 - Head construction contractor announced for Melbourne’s NGV Contemporary art gallery

5th March 2025 - Wollongong Art Gallery secures impressive array of diverse exhibitions

26th February 2025 - Wondai Regional Art Gallery to be extended

26th January 2025 - Ballarat Art Gallery temporarily closes for extensive interior upgrades

24th January 2025 - Christchurch Art Gallery appointed as delivery partner for 2026 Venice Biennale

28th November 2024 - New director announced for Art Gallery of South Australia

30th October 2024 - Michael Brand to step down from director role at Art Gallery of New South Wales

29th May 2024 - Wollongong Art Gallery announces Daniel Mudie Cunningham as new Director

1st September 2023 - Art Gallery of Ballarat welcomes rise in visitation

14th April 2023 - Former Lord Mayor of Adelaide appointed as new chair of Art Gallery of South Australia

5th March 2023 - Redeveloped Central Goldfields Art Gallery opens in Maryborough

12th December 2022 - NSW Art Gallery’s Sydney Modern Project attracts 86,000 visits in opening week

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.