The recent appointment of Dr Michael Brand as the Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales marks a new era for the gallery.  In an exclusive interview with Artinfo Australia, Brand reveals his future plans for the gallery.

What attracted you to the position of Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales?

The opportunity to lead an Australian art museum of international significance at a critical moment in its institutional history.

What do you hope to bring to the position?

A passion for the visual arts, an ability to think strategically, international museum experience and connections, and a deep desire to make a difference in Sydney.

What is your long term vision for the gallery?

I would like to see a gallery whose collection and programmes are much loved by both local and international audiences while also maintaining the highest levels of scholarship and innovative museum practice; an inspiring art museum worthy of the great city it calls home.  

What will your first priorities be for the gallery?

To get to know the collection, my new colleagues, and our many current and potential audiences. 

How do you plan to expand the gallery?

The Gallery has clearly reached the point where no more space can be found internally for the display of art or for the presentation of public programmes.  Exactly how the Gallery chooses to develop an even greater institution will depend on detailed discussions with senior staff, the Board of Trustees, potential private supporters and, ultimately, the New South Wales government so it would be premature for me to talk now about specific plans.

What will the new space be devoted to?

Any new space would presumably serve both existing functions and some new functions but, again, it's too early for me to speculate about details.

How long do you see yourself in the position of Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales?

As long as they'll have me because this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Having said that, I don't like my chances of beating Edmund Capon's record.

How do you plan to promote the work of Australian artists to an international audience?

In general, you would obviously like to see an international demand for Australian art rather than what might be described as one-sided export promotions. Many have tried to achieve this over the years, but not always with great success. How might the Art Gallery of NSW help? I believe the best place to start is by building partnerships on both the museum-to-museum and curator-to-curator levels. Another important contribution is the publication of serious scholarship on Australian artists that places their work in an international as well as national context.

What do you believe the mission of the gallery is?

The mission of the Gallery is clearly set out in the Art Gallery of New South Wales Act 1980: "to develop and maintain a collection of works of art," and "to propagate and increase knowledge and appreciation of art."  The question is how best to achieve these goals three decades later in the early years of the 21st century.  In the first case, developing or building a collection is certainly more challenging given the dramatic increase in prices and, in some fields, the reduction in the number of works still available on the market. In the second case, we have the benefit of new technologies that can help disseminate information and ideas but the technology is still developing so quickly it is not always clear how an art museum should best take advantage of it. There is no doubt in my mind that these goals are of critical public importance.

What would you like to be known for during your term at the art gallery?

Sincerity, a deep sense of curiosity, innovation, and a willingness to take artistic risks as part of a stimulating public programme.