Reappointment of National Gallery of Australia Council Chair

The Australian Government is pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Ryan Stokes AO as Chair of the Council of the National Gallery of Australia for a three-year term.

The National Gallery of Australia is dedicated to collecting, sharing and celebrating art from Australia and the world. It is home to the country’s most valuable collection of art, with 155,000 works worth over $7 billion – including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

The Council is responsible for overseeing the Gallery’s strategic and organisational goals and positioning it for the future.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said Mr Stokes had a proven track record as Chair and his reappointment enables the Gallery to continue as a key partner in delivering the Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive. 

“Ryan has made a significant contribution to the Gallery during his time as Chair. He has been committed to elevating women artists and First Nations culture and connecting people with art across Australia, including through the successful Sharing the National Collection initiative. 

“Ryan’s reappointment provides stability for the Gallery and I’m confident he will continue to ensure provide strong leadership to guide this treasured institution forward.” 

Mr Ryan Stokes AO is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seven Group Holdings and CEO of Australian Capital Equity.

Mr Stokes was appointed Chair of the National Gallery of Australia in July 2018. He has previously held positions as Chair of the National Library of Australia (2012-2018), Chair of Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation (Headspace) (2006-2010), and Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (2011-2015). 

Mr Stokes was appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2020 for distinguished service to business.