Queensland Art Gallery director lands top job at National Gallery of Victoria

Tony Ellwood, the Director of the Queensland Art Gallery, has been named as the new Director of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
Queensland Arts Minister Rachel Nolan made the announcement of Ellwood's departure Tuesday afternoon, trumping the Victorian Government which announced the appointment yesterdayofficial today.
Ellwood will replace the Victorian gallery's incumbent Director Dr Gerard Vaughan by the middle of the year while the Queensland Government will embark on an international search for its new Director.
Announcing Ellwood's appointment yesterdau, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu stated "I am delighted to welcome Tony Ellwood back to Victoria to lead Australia's oldest public art gallery in this new chapter of its distinguished history.
"Tony has a strong track record in gallery leadership in Australia, is highly respected and connected internationally, and has an exciting vision for the NGV, an institution that is close to his heart.
"He's the right person to lead the NGV in this next stage of its development and I am confident that our Gallery ï¾ and Victoria's cultural reputation ï¾ will continue to prosper and grow with him at the helm."
Ellwood served as Deputy Director of the NGV from 2000 to 2007, with a focus on international art, education and public programs. During this time he played an instrumental role in the redevelopment and re-opening of NGV International on St Kilda Road.
Born in Alexandra in regional Victoria, Ellwood served as Director of the Bendigo Art Gallery, one of Australia's leading regional galleries, from 1996 to 1999 where he increased audiences by 300%.
Allan Myers has also been reappointed as President of the NGV Council of Trustees.