The South Australian Museum will see significant investments and strategic changes following the completion of a comprehensive review, announced today by the South Australian Government. This initiative comes with a commitment of $4.1 million in funding over the next two years along with key structural changes and the appointment of a new Board chair.
The detailed review, led by Damien Walker, Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, alongside other experts including the Chief Scientist for South Australia, Professor Craig Simmons, and Dr Jim Thompson PSM, CEO of the Queensland Museum, was initiated in response to concerns over proposed changes at the museum. Upon review, the panel provided six recommendations aimed at refining governance and enhancing stakeholder involvement and future strategic planning at the museum.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said, “The South Australian Museum is cherished by the South Australian public. There is widespread agreement that the museum must evolve for the future… in a way which inspires the confidence of the broader community, key stakeholders and Museum staff.”
Key focuses for the strategic overhaul include the withdrawal of the previously proposed restructure of the Museum’s Research and Collections division, which will now retain its current configuration. The broader plans encompass developing a new Strategic Plan, which will be structured through extensive consultations with staff, donors, supporters, and other key stakeholders.
Additionally, the museum will explore collaborations with South Australian universities to establish sustainable research and funding approaches. Efforts to enhance funding avenues will include forging new partnerships with donors, philanthropists, and major corporations. An infrastructural review will also consider ways to refresh and improve the galleries and exhibition spaces.
Following the review’s findings and recommendations, Kim Cheater has resigned as Board Chair, making room for a new appointment to take this vision forward. Professor Robert Saint, a renowned geneticist and recently retired Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Flinders University, will take over as presiding member of the Board. His rich background in academic and research roles is expected to be a major asset in his new role.
Arts Minister Andrea Michaels shared, “What has been absolutely clear throughout this process is how much South Australians love and value the Museum. As a government, we have acted to ensure it will continue to be a world-class cultural institution that South Australians are proud of for the future.”
Robert Champion de Crespigny AC, former Chair of the SA Museum, extended gratitude towards the Premier, the Minister, and the Review Panel for their collaborative approach in handling the concerns of the museum community. He shared, “The Panel’s recommendations, coupled with the Government’s commitments to action form a solid base for us all to move forward together.
“The events of this year have demonstrated the deep affection that South Australians hold for their Museum. I’ve never seen the Museum community more united.
“It’s now important that we seize upon that momentum to build on the base this Review has provided.”
The review has established a foundation aimed at ensuring the longevity and continued relevance of the museum, underscoring its importance to the cultural fabric of the state.
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