New Art Foundation Chairman

07/10/2009

The major fundraising body of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Art Foundation of Tasmania, has announced Dr Peter Sexton as its new Chairman.

The Art Foundation is the major fund raising body for the TMAG, having raised in excess of $6,000 000 since its inception in the 1980s, specifically to acquire quality objects for the State collection and to assist with museum programs.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Director Bill Bleathman welcomed the appointment of avid supporter of the arts Dr Sexton as Chairman of the Foundation.

"Dr Sexton has an extensive background in his appreciation and support of the arts in Tasmania as well as many other charitable and honorary positions," Mr Bleathman said.

"His contribution to the Art Foundation has been proven in his work in developing previous fundraising initiatives, including the successful ArtSale@TMAG auction exhibition held in June this year."

In welcoming Dr Sexton as chair, Mr Bleathman paid special tribute to the retiring Chairman Dr John Freeman,

"Dr Freeman has provided an invaluable service to TMAG, guiding the Art Foundation through many major fundraising initiatives culminating in such significant acquisitions as the John Glover Mt Wellington and Hobart Town from Kangaroo Point painting."

Dr Sexton and the new committee, which includes Mr John Dickens as Vice Chairman, will be working on new strategies to further promote the objectives of the Foundation.

"It has never been more important with the Government's commitment to the redevelopment of the museum that we support them in acquiring the finest objects from the finest collections to be placed in our museum, Dr Sexton said"

"I consider it a great honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to further build on the excellent work of the foundation coordinated by Dr John Freeman."

All donations to the Art Foundation of Tasmania are fully tax deductable.