Steven Alderton, an experienced gallery director, curator and cultural professional has been appointed as Mosman Art Gallery Director and Mosman Council's Manager of Cultural Services.
Steven was formerly the Director and CEO of the National Art School and brings more than 30 years' experience across Australia and internationally in museums, public collections and contemporary cultural institutions, having led transformational change through curatorial innovation, institutional leadership and a deep commitment to public value, cultural storytelling and audience engagement.
Previous roles also included as Deputy Director and Director of Programs, Exhibitions and Cultural Collections at the Australian Museum; festival and multi-exhibition program work at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre; and a role as Director of Lismore Regional Gallery.
Steven has curated major exhibitions featuring artists such as Tracey Moffatt, Ricky Swallow, John Olsen, Ian Fairweather, Margaret Olley, William Robinson and Nicholas Harding, among others. He has collaborated with leading institutions including the Biennale of Sydney, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Asia Triennial Manchester, as well as private and regional collections.
His work in collections has extended across the Australian Museum, National Art School, Lismore Regional Gallery, Wagga Wagga City Art Gallery, Redland Art Gallery, Bundaberg Art Centre, and numerous private holdings.
In addition to his curatorial and directorial work, Steven has made major contributions to the arts sector through governance, advocacy and strategic advisory roles. He has also served on numerous boards and committees at local, state and federal levels.
"I'm excited to be joining Mosman Art Gallery, which has an outstanding reputation across the broader arts and cultural community," he said.
"From the high calibre of artists to the quality of exhibitions, in particular the Mosman Art Prize, which is regarded as the premier open painting prize in Australia, and the vast and engaged network of members, supporters, sponsors, friends and volunteers, the gallery has an exciting future and I look forward to being part of its next chapter."
Mosman Art Gallery is a dedicated public gallery established by Mosman Council.
Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber said Steven's creative vision for cultural institutions, and wealth of experience delivering major arts projects and international exhibitions, combined with a background in education, research and cultural development, would be a great asset for Mosman.
"Mosman's strong community support for the arts and culture is at the heart of the gallery's success," Mayor Kimber said.
"Steven's experience and focus on community, storytelling and the evolving role of collections in shaping cultural identity will help foster and enhance this ongoing connection, while steering the gallery to a bright future."
Steven will commence his role at Mosman in May. He replaces John Cheeseman, who retired at the end of February after 15 years of service to the gallery and council.
