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Arts adminstration professional, Steven Alderton has been appointed Director and Chief Executive of the National Art School, commencing his new role in February 2017. The position was previously held by Michael Lynch CBE AM who has acted as interim Director since September 2016.
Alderton joins the National Art School from the Australian Museum where he holds the role of Director of Programs, Exhibitions and Cultural Collections, with previous roles including Director of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Director of Lismore Regional Gallery. With 25 years experience in the visual arts and education, Alderton’s previous roles have included Director, Programs, Exhibitions and Cultural Collections at the Australian Museum, Director Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Director Lismore Regional Gallery, Manager Bundaberg Arts Centre, Director Redland Art Gallery, and Curator Wagga Wagga City Art Gallery. Steven has worked closely with many leading Australian visual artists including Ricky Swallow, Margaret Olley, Nicholas Harding, Janet Laurence and Tracey Moffatt.
Chairman of the National Art School, Nicholas Johnson speaks on behalf of the Board: “We have been greatly impressed by his past success in helping to lead the wave of new creativity at the Australian Museum and by his broad network of contacts and interests across the Arts sectors. Most importantly Stephen started his career in the visual arts and has retained his personal involvement in this space.
“The role of Director of the National Art School will allow him to combine his passion for visual arts with his proven credentials as a leading Arts administrator. I am confident that Stephen will make a major contribution to the future development of the National Art School,” said Johnson.
Alderton added: “I am committed to exceptional arts education and creating new markets for emerging artists. I see my role in a strong and active art sector as investing in the core – emerging artists, and developing artist’s practice. I will continue to progress the National Art School as a truly national art school, that is internationally significant and an invigorating presence within Sydney’s cultural mix.
The National Art School has the longest continuing history as a publicly funded art school in Australia. In 2022 it will celebrate 100 years at the Darlinghurst Gaol site and in 2018 will celebrate 175 years since the establishment of the National Art School with the first lecture in 1843.
