Auckland Art Gallery Director Appointed

13 May 2013
Media Statement

Auckland Art Gallery Director Appointed

Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA), the body that oversees Auckland’s arts, culture, heritage, leisure, sports and entertainment venues, has appointed Rhana Devenport as the new Director of Auckland Art Gallery.

Rhana Devenport is currently Director of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth and has over 20 years experience curating exhibitions focusing on Australasian and international contemporary art practice. She replaces former director Chris Saines who resigned in March 2013 to become the Director of the Queensland Art Gallery. Ms Devenport will take up the position on 29 July 2013.
“Rhana was the leading candidate for the position from a very strong field, identified through a global executive search programme,” said Dame Jenny Gibbs, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Regional Facilities Auckland, and the convener of the panel which made the appointment.

“Rhana has an extensive background in contemporary and modern art practice in New Zealand, and an excellent national and international network. She has a profound dedication to creating powerful links between art and audiences in exciting, innovative exhibitions and public programmes during over two decades of leadership and management experience in Australasian art museums, biennales and cultural festivals.

“For the last seven years, Rhana has led the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth where she has considerably enhanced its reputation as a leading and courageous contemporary art museum. She has worked on a number of fronts from curating a series of significant exhibitions, fundraising for the new Len Lye Centre, and deepening the relationship of the gallery with Maori and Pacific communities. We are delighted by the appointment,” said Dame Jenny.

ENDS

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