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NAOMI MILGROM AO APPOINTED COMMISSIONER FOR AUSTRALIA, VENICE BIENNALE 2017

Naomi Milgrom AO

It’s a busy time at MPavilion as we get ready to launch the 2015/16 season, but today we’re posting some exciting news about a different pavilion: MPavilion founder Naomi Milgrom AO has been appointed as Commissioner for the Australian representation at the 57th International Art Exhibition, Venice Biennale 2017.

Making the announcement today, Australia Council Chair Mr Rupert Myer AO said, “The Australia Council is really delighted that Naomi has accepted the appointment as Commissioner. She will bring to the role her great enthusiasm for and knowledge of contemporary art as well as a thoughtful and effective approach to engaging partners and supporters.”

Naomi Milgrom AO will take over from Simon Mordant AM as Commissioner following the 2015 Venice Biennale. During his time as Commissioner, Mr Mordant led a highly successful campaign to support the new Australian Pavilion designed by Denton Corker Marshall in Venice and the pavilion’s inaugural exhibition by Fiona Hall AO.

Accepting the appointment, Ms Milgrom spoke about building on Australia’s remarkable success at the 2015 event: “I’m honoured to be invited to work with the Australia Council to deliver the Australian representation in 2017. The Venice Biennale is the most important event on the international contemporary art calendar and something that continually inspires me. Australia’s participation places our artists in the centre of the global contemporary art scene. I look forward to building on the success of this milestone year.”

Tony Grybowski, Australia Council Chief Executive said: “We look forward to working closely with Naomi over the coming months on the selection of the 2017 artist for Venice as well as securing private support for this flagship public-private partnership. The role of Commissioner is vital to the advocacy and fundraising programs around our participation in each Biennale.”

A committed and passionate supporter of the arts, Ms Milgrom recently established the Naomi Milgrom Foundation to initiate bold public art, design and architecture projects—including MPavilion. She has shepherded landmark initiatives in the cultural arena and shaped alliances between local and global partners. In addition, Ms Milgrom is a member of the International Council for the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Art Basel Global Patrons Council and former Chair of The Katherine Hannay Visual Arts Commission for ANZ Trustees.

The Venice Biennale is the oldest and largest established biennale in the world, and Australia’s long history of representation began in 1954. The next event will be our 63rd year at Venice, and the second within Denton Corker Marshall’s sleek, simple permanent pavilion in the Giardini della Biennale.

Australia Pavilion, Venice, Italy designed by Denton Corker Marshall.

Australia Pavilion, Venice, Italy, designed by Denton Corker Marshall. Photo by John Gollings.