Shepparton Art Museum artistic director and chief executive Rebecca Coates has resigned less than two weeks after the opening of the new $50 million facility at Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton.
During her six-year tenure as the head of SAM, Dr Coates drove a rigorous process to identify an architect and design for the new building. The project eventually went to renowned architectural firm Denton Corker Marshall.
Dr Coates’ other achievements include increasing the museum’s collection, adding 588 artworks valued at $3 million, setting up the museum’s first Indigenous curatorial position, and increasing educational and community programs.
“It’s been six big years, and the past two years have involved the triple challenge of pivoting through a global pandemic, transitioning the governance of the organisation from being part of (Greater Shepparton City) council to becoming a stand-alone not-for-profit organisation, and opening a new world-class museum with a much larger footprint,” Dr Coates said.
“I am now looking forward to a well-earned rest, and to contributing further to Australian arts and culture in future roles.’