Director leaves after an extraordinary decade

Media Release : Friday 18 July, 2008

Director leaves after an extraordinary decade at TheNewDowse.

Tim Walker, Director of TheNewDowse and Petone Settlers Museum has announced his resignation after 10 years in the role. He will leave at the end of July to take up his new position as Head of Museum Delivery at Auckland Museum.

“I arrived here, as Director of The Dowse Art Museum - 10 years ago last Sunday. It was at a time when this museum was under real pressure and wasn't performing well compared to other museums nationally. My job was to be a 'marketer and business builder'.” say Walker.

Having stepped into the hot seat in 1998 after a decade at Te Papa, Walker has been instrumental in creating an ambitious and visionary organisation, revitalising the museum experience, and spear-heading the major building redevelopment which was successfully completed in February last year.

Thanks to Walker’s passion and enthusiasm for what a 21st century museum and gallery experience can be, TheNewDowse stands apart and is recognised both nationally and internationally as a sector leader. His vision has resulted in a significant shift towards the development of an exhibition and events programme which celebrates creativity and innovation from all sectors of the community. From multi-media to ceramics, fashion to photography, fine art to design, science, manufacturing, hip hop culture, creative business and beyond – all now sit comfortably side-by-side in the gallery.

“I have been appointed Head of Museum Delivery at Auckland Museum, which is an exciting challenge for me. While I will be sad to leave this community, it feels like a very good time in the life of TheNewDowse, and for me personally, to move on. For someone who thrives on working in courageous museums undergoing dramatic change the opportunity to work with Dr Vanda Vitali and her team is too good to turn down.

It's a high level role within an institution heading into the kind of change I think is essential for museums, if they are to survive, prosper and deliver on their value to the communities they serve.”

Hutt City Museums will be recruiting for the role of Director in the next few weeks.

ENDS

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