“We’re thrilled to see a talented Sydneysider take the helm of one of our city’s most important cultural institutions.

“It’s critical to cast the net wide with a recruitment like this – but it’s a strong sign of our city’s growing cultural maturity that the best person for the job was right here in Sydney.

“Maud Page has been a longtime champion for First Nations and Pasifika culture, and a strong advocate for the intense creative energy of Sydney’s west – we can’t wait to see how that translates to her term leading the gallery.

“This appointment also marks a milestone, with the Art Gallery of NSW led by a woman for the first time.

Congratulations to outgoing director Michael Brand on an extraordinary period of change and growth for the Art Gallery.