National Art School appoints Michael Lynch CBE AM as Interim Director

The National Art School has announced the appointment of highly respected international arts professional Michael Lynch as the School’s Interim Director, commencing September 2016.

The appointment follows the recent resignation of current Director Michael Snelling, who is relocating to Hong Kong to support his partner Suhanya Raffel as she takes up her position as Director of Hong Kong’s M+ Museum.

Looking for ward to his appoinment, Lynch, who earlier this week received Live Performance Australia’s Sue Nattrass Award for exceptional service to the Australian entertainment  industry. Among other awards, stated “the National Art School has an extraordinary history of creating great artists across genres. I recognize the difficulties that face the School over the coming months and hope to work closely with staff and the Board to find a solution that best benefits the arts, National Art School and all interested stakeholders of which the students are paramount.”

Mr Lynch brings a wealth of experience in the arts working around the world including Chief Executive  roles with the Australia Council, the Sydney Opera House, London’s Southbank Centre, Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District and Sydney Theatre Company. He has been recognized with the award of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2001 and was named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008, both recognizing services to the arts.

National Art School Chairman Nicholas Johnson added "the Board and I are thrilled that Michael Lynch has agreed to assume the role of Acting Director of the National Art School. His track record and experience speak for themselves.”

With arts education in turmoil in Sydney with the University of Sydney planning to close its prestigious Sydney College of the Arts and the National Art School likely to be relocated, Lynch has been among a small group of senior art administrators prepared to criticise what is widely described as an “attack on the arts.”

To ensure a smooth hand-over to his new role, Lynch will commence working with the National Art School’s executive team in a consultative capacity immediately, taking over as Interim Director from early September 2016, upon Snelling’s departure.

Lynch will remain as Interim Director until early 2017, at which time the School anticipates recruitment for the Director’s role will be completed.

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