Shepparton Art Museum appoints acting CEO and Artistic Director

The Shepparton Art Museum Board of Directors has appointed Senior Curator, Dr Shelley McSpedden as Acting Artistic Director and Business Manager, Andrew Gooley as Acting CEO as the Board prepares for a national search for the next Director of the Shepparton Art Museum. 

SAM Ltd Board chair, Stephen Merrylees said: “The Board of Directors are delighted to appoint both Shelley and Andrew into the roles of acting Artistic Director and CEO, respectively. Together they bring a wealth of knowledge across the cultural and business sectors and will support and lead the team into this next chapter. We look forward to the recruitment process of the next Director of the Shepparton Art Museum and the opportunities that come with this. The next Director will bring new vision for the Museum and will be a new chapter for the institution.” 

Shelley McSpedden joined the Shepparton Art Museum team in 2020 and has played an integral role in developing the artistic calendar for 2021 and 2022. Shelley is an established curator, writer, and arts educator, with over 15 years of professional art museum and gallery experience. 

She brings a wealth of knowledge to the region, having held curatorial positions at a number of leading Australian cultural institutions, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and Monash University Museum of Art. Shelley holds a PhD in Art History and Theory from Monash University. 

With extensive business experience and previously with The University of Melbourne, Andrew Gooley commenced with the Shepparton Art Museum in May as Business Manager. Andrew stepped into the role and has further developed many business initiatives to ensure future success of the new state of the art purpose-built Museum. 

Both Shelley and Andrew are committed to steering the Museum forward as SAM embarks on this exciting new phase delivering its first suite of exhibitions and engagement programs over the next 12 months. 

Together Shelley and Andrew said: 

“We are delighted to take over the reins and co-direct the strong and committed team at the Shepparton Art Museum. The next year’s artistic program and series of program and events were designed with the community at the forefront, and we look forward to continuing to welcome new visitors and returning visitors to our new home.” 

Preparations for recruiting for the position of Artistic Director and CEO of the Shepparton Art Museum will start in early 2022. 

ENDS 

Media enquiries, please contact: Gabriella Calandro, Engagement Manager, SAM p: (03) 4804 5020 e: gcalandro@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au