The Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) has announced the appointment of Jason Smith as its new director, a role he will assume in February 2025. Smith, who currently serves as Director of Geelong Gallery, is recognised for his extensive experience in visual arts curation and leadership spanning over two decades. His career has seen him holding significant positions across several prominent Australian galleries, including the Heide Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Victoria.
This pivotal appointment comes at a time when AGSA is gaining attention for its record-breaking exhibitions and an internationally acclaimed collection that spans historic, Australian, and contemporary art. Crucially, AGSA is engaged in major artistic programs that celebrate living artists, such as Tarnanthi, the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art, and the Ramsay Art Prize.
Andrea Michaels, Minister for Arts, shared, “I congratulate Jason Smith on his appointment, and I look forward to seeing the Art Gallery of South Australia continue to transform the lives of artists and audiences under his directorship.”
Chair of AGSA, Sandy Verschoor, said, “We are extremely pleased to announce Jason Smith as AGSA’s next Director.”
“Jason comes to AGSA with experience across major state galleries in Victoria and Queensland, and more recently in leading the significant regional gallery, Geelong Gallery.
“Jason will bring comprehensive experience in providing artistic, curatorial and strategic leadership to AGSA. At both Heide Museum of Modern Art and Geelong Gallery, Jason was instrumental in delivering strong leadership with a creative, entrepreneurial approach that has cemented these institutions as cultural destinations.
“I look forward to working closely with Jason as we elevate AGSA to be the most inspiring art destination in Australia.”
Smith expressed his deep connection with AGSA, having been professionally engaged with the institution since 1996. He is honoured by the trust placed in him to lead AGSA and spoke about his guiding principles. “The principle that has guided my leadership is to ensure an accessible and inclusive experience of art that enriches peoples’ lives,” he explained. Smith is enthusiastic about working with the AGSA team to realise the gallery’s vision as a transformative destination for visitors and to continuously highlight the cultural riches of the collection and the state. He is committed to developing audiences, partnerships, and commercial enterprises that are vital for AGSA’s growth and contemporary relevance.
As Smith prepares to relocate to Adelaide for his new role, there is an air of anticipation for the growth and innovation he is expected to bring to the gallery. His record of strong leadership and effective engagement with community and cultural stakeholders suggests a promising future for AGSA under his direction.
Smith’s predecessor’s tenure was marked by significant advancements in AGSA’s programming and outreach, and with Smith at the helm, similar strides are anticipated, ensuring that AGSA remains a key cultural destination in Australia. The gallery community and its patrons eagerly await the fresh perspectives and initiatives Smith will introduce, as AGSA continues to build on its legacy of celebrating art and its diverse expressions.
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