MAMA Director Bree Pickering accepts new position as Director of the National Portrait Gallery

Bree Pickering has accepted a new role at one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions, the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Pickering will finish up her role as Director, Murray Art Museum Albury on Friday 10 March.

Relocating to Albury in 2016, Pickering joined the Museum soon after its redevelopment and relaunch in 2015. During her 6 years of leadership the Museum has found its feet, matured its program and identity, broadened its connections to the local and regional community, and established a reputation for cultural excellence within the national arts industry.

“I have loved being part of this museum’s growth and development,” Pickering reflects. “I’m so proud of the work that MAMA has produced over the last 6 years. There is so much ahead of this museum, and I am grateful for the continued support of Albury City Council, who are steadfast in their support for the vision of this museum. The Museum team, together with the provisional board, are well placed to continue the work of generating new, original artwork and meaningful cultural experiences for this community.”

Pickering’s departure comes just months after the Minister for Local Government approved the Museum’s transition to an independent model of governance.

Albury City Council Chief Executive Frank Zaknich said Pickering had led the Museum team fearlessly, establishing our local art museum as one of the best in Regional Australia, whilst also managing the mammoth task of moving the Museum to a new model of governance.

"This achievement will have a long-lasting legacy, ensuring resilience and sustainability for generations to come. Council congratulates Bree on her outstanding national appointment and looks forward to the Museum’s next chapter, as we continue to build on the excellent work of the last 6 years under Bree’s leadership.”

The Museum continues to move towards independence, with the transition likely to be finalised in the next 12 months.

MAMA Provisional Board Chair Janet Osborne said Bree’s appointment as the incoming Director of the National Portrait Gallery is a recognition of the laser-sharp vision, integrity, and intellect that she has brought to her role at MAMA.

“As Board Chair I have been privileged to work with her and I have seen first-hand, her incredible artistic, business, and intellectual leadership. She will be sorely missed, but we congratulate her on this timely appointment and look forward to seeing the impact that she makes in her next appointment.”

When Pickering reflects on her last 6 years she can identify many highlights. “The commissioning of so many important new artworks, updating the National Photography Prize, receiving new major support from philanthropists, accepting a number of important new donations to the permanent Collection, the launch of the Kids Gallery, and No Easy Answers, my own first major exhibition as Curator at MAMA (opening 10 March). My lasting memory will be of the connections I have made with artists, staff, volunteers, donors, and community members that have challenged me, encouraged me, and shown me first-hand the value of art and culture in local communities. That is a lasting impact that will inform my professional practice for the remainder of my career, and for that I am truly thankful.”