SYDNEY.- Minister for the Arts, George Souris, has congratulated Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, Director of
Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), on being awarded an OBE in the United Kingdom for services to contemporary art.
“It’s a well deserved recognition to someone who has contributed so much to the world of contemporary art and New South Wales is honoured to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable person contributing so much to the culture of our State,” Mr Souris said.
Ms Macgregor, who is currently in Scotland, said she was “absolutely thrilled” when informed of the award.
“Elizabeth Ann has had an amazing and outstanding career in the arts world which began in the early 1980’s when she became not only the curator, but also bus driver, for the Scottish Council’s travelling gallery, taking exhibitions to the public – to villages, schools, hospitals etc.
'She was eventually appointed Director of England's renowned Ikon Gallery and in 1999, to our great benefit, took up the position of Director of Sydney's MCA.
“Elizabeth Ann’s commitment and dedication has seen her develop broader ad evergrowing audiences for contemporary art. Since introducing free admission to the MCA in 2000, attendances have boomed and continue to rise, particularly from younger audiences from Western Sydney and regional areas.
“The MCA is the only museum in Australia dedicated to contemporary art and it is in no small way that Elizabeth has enhanced its reputation both in Australia and around the world”.
She is currently on the board of the Australian Children’s Music Foundation and the Council of Art Museum Directors. In 2003, she was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to the Australian public and contemporary art. In 2007, she won the Significant Innovation category in the Equity Trustees Not for Profit CEO Awards and three years ago she won the Australian Business Woman of the Year Award.
“We are truly fortunate to have someone of Elizabeth Ann Macgregor’s ability contributing so much to the cultural life of New South Wales and Australia and I look forward to congratulating her in person on her return to Australia,” Mr Souris said.
