Museum of Contemporary Art Australia appoints its first Director, First Nations Art and Cultures

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) has appointed Keith Munro as the Museum’s first Director, First Nations Art and Cultures.

Munro is a descendant of the Kamilaroi (Gomeroi / Gamilaroi/ Gamilarray) people of north-western New South Wales and south-western Queensland, Australia. Since joining the Museum in 2004, Munro has been a leader and advisor on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives, respected by his colleagues and peers for his experience and expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and cultures and contemporary art.

In 2015, Munro was instrumental in implementing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy at MCA Australia, the first policy in Australia to set out quantifiable targets for a major cultural institution. He has also been actively involved in MCA Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, as well as developing impactful initiatives to deepen and strengthen perspectives regarding First Peoples artists and staff at the Museum.

Munro has overseen a broad range of important programs for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences to come together to learn, discuss and celebrate the art and cultures of the First Peoples of Australia, and has participated in numerous international First Nations Curatorial Programs. Some of his significant curatorial projects include: ‘David Malangi Daymirringu: Artist Room, MCA Collection’ (2022), Being Tiwi (2015–17), co-curated with Senior Curator Natasha Bullock, 'Ripple Effect: Boomalli Founding members' (2012), Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative 25th anniversary exhibition, Bardayal ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek AO (2010), In the Balance: Art for a Changing World (2010), Ricky Maynard: Portrait of a Distant Land (2008–10). Prior to his role at MCA Australia, Munro worked on projects at the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum and the Sydney Olympic Cultural Olympiad.

The appointment of Munro as the first Director, First Nations Art and Cultures at MCA Australia, highlights the Museums ongoing commitment to celebrate and exhibit the art and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and the world.

Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Suzanne Cotter adds “For over 65,000 years, Tallawoladah, the land on which the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia stands, has been home to stories, art, and ideas that have helped people understand and adapt to their times. The perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their rich culture and history is a fundamental part of who we are, and what we represent at MCA Australia.

“I am delighted that Keith Munro has accepted this important role as the Museum’s inaugural Director, First Nations Art and Cultures. His knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and cultures, his strong relationships with contemporary artists and community, and his exceptional thought leadership are foundational to MCA Australia’s vision and commitment to ensuring the centrality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures across the Museum.”

Munro shared “I am both honoured and humbled by this exciting new role. I would like to thank  Suzanne Cotter, Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and the Museum Board, in acknowledging the contribution I have made to the fabric of the Museum. As the first Director, First Nations Art and Cultures at the MCA Australia, I intend to initiate new projects and programs to highlight, engage, inform and promote a greater understanding of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, cultures, ideas and art practice. MCA Australia is committed to being a leader in the art and research of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures. We have many exciting announcements and collaborations to announce over the next year.”

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s strong commitment to exhibiting and collecting the work of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples, is reflected in its exhibitions, public and social impact programs, partnerships, workplace policies and the MCA Collection of over 4500 artworks, 35% comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Currently on display at the Museum are two MCA Collection displays, Eight Artists and Perspective on place, which include 32 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists; two wall commissions by indigenous artists Vincent Namatjira - P.P.F. (Past-Present-Future), 2022 and Daniel Boyd - Untitled, 2014, as well as the recently opened The National 4: Australian Art Now, featuring the work of 31 First Peoples artists.

Internationally, the Tate Modern in London is currently exhibiting A Year in Art: Australia 1992, presenting many works of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander artists jointly acquired through the MCA Australia and Tate Joint International Acquisition program, founded in 2015 and made possible via a gift from the Qantas Foundation. This exhibition which responds to debates around the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Native Title rights in Australia, has been visited by over a million people. In May this year, the Tate Modern will also present another joint MCA Australia/Tate acquisition, Embassy by Indigenous artist and activist, Richard Bell in the prestigious Turbine Hall.

For further information about the MCA Australia’s First Peoples of Australia initiatives and exhibitions, go to www.mca.com.au/