Geelong Gallery CEO to step down

GEELONG Gallery is on the hunt for a new chief executive and director, following the announcement this week that Jason Smith will step down from the role in February.

Smith has led the gallery since 2016 and will depart next year for the Art Gallery of South Australia where he will serve as director.

Geelong Gallery board president Eliza Holt praised Mr Smith’s leadership which she said had helped grow the institution into a highly respected gallery, known for curating both academic and scholarly exhibitions and hosting major touring exhibitions.

“Jason’s legacy at the gallery is and will be immense and will be borne out for years to come,” she said.

“Jason’s tireless work in supporting and advocating for the gallery’s redevelopment, his leadership role within Geelong and the region, and his contribution to the gallery will be remembered and celebrated.”

During his tenure, Geelong Gallery has been recognised with business excellence awards for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and inclusion, along with state and national awards for its cultural tourism and contribution to the visitor economy.

Ms Holt said she was “extremely positive” about the future gallery and wished Mr Smith the very best in his new role at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Mr Smith said it had been an enormous privilege to lead the Geelong Gallery for the past nine years.

“I pay immediate tribute to the board for its dedication to this great cultural institution, and to my colleagues for their consistently outstanding work and service to our community.

“We have been a highly productive, happy team.

“I also wish to acknowledge the exceptional support of the Gallery’s programs and ambitions by so many deeply valued private, corporate and government partners.”

He said it was an honour to have been entrusted with the new role, where he will again be guided by the principle of ensuring an accessible and inclusive experience of art that enriches peoples’ lives.