The Shepparton Art Museum has completed its search for a new chief executive with the appointment of Melinda Martin, who has spent the past decade as chief executive and director at Linden New Art in St Kilda.
Ms Martin has worked in art management for more than 20 years, including with Creative Partnerships Australia, Anna Schwartz Gallery and Monash Gallery of Art.
She holds a Master of Fine Art and Cinema Studies from the University of Melbourne, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fine Art and Criminology from the University of Melbourne.
“I am looking forward to working with the talented team at SAM to develop some exciting new exhibitions and programs to encourage everyone to engage with the museum,” Ms Martin said.
“From programs for children and their families, and important programs for the local multicultural and multi-lingual community, I’m looking forward to leading a fabulous new museum and bringing it to life for all to enjoy.”
In a statement, the SAM board said Ms Martin’s appointment had followed an exhaustive search.
“We were pleased to have overseen a very competitive recruitment process, with many applicants from all over Australia expressing their interest,” it said.
“To have attracted someone of Melinda’s calibre speaks volumes of the reputation SAM has earned for itself. We are confident that Melinda will continue to build SAM’s legacy to the arts scene in the region.”
SAM has been searching for a new chief executive since the resignation of Rebecca Coates in December last year.
Dr Coates resigned after six years in charge and overseeing the construction of the iconic building on the banks of Victoria Park Lake, the establishment of the its initial collection and its official opening in November 2021.
Ms Martin will start in the role on Monday, July 11.