The Western Australian Museum Board of Trustees and staff have welcomed the announcement of a new director for the Museum.
Culture and the Arts Minister John Day today announced the successful candidate as Mr Alec Coles, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums in the United Kingdom.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the WA Museum Tim Ungar said the Museum looked forward to welcoming Mr Coles to Western Australia.
“Mr Coles’ experience with museum development, major exhibitions and public engagement strategies will significantly benefit the Museum.
“In conjunction with the Museum’s strong curatorial and research expertise we look forward to showcasing the Museum’s collections to the people of Western Australia and its visitors,” Mr Ungar said.
Mr Ungar joined the Minister in acknowledging the exceptional work of current acting director Diana Jones.
“Ms Jones has worked tirelessly for the Museum over the past two years and has achieved some important milestones including a bioresources library and the introduction of a sponsor-funded DNA lab at the Collection and Research Centre,” Mr Ungar said.
Ms Jones’ strong support of staff also resulted in a Prime Minister’s Award for community business partnership, the development of four WA Museum curated exhibitions, four awards for best Government website, a refurbished gallery at the Western Australian Museum – Perth and two redevelopments at the WA Museums in Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
Ms Jones said the past two years had been challenging and rewarding and she looked forward to working with Mr Coles to progress the number of projects already underway at the Museum.
“The Museum is in good stead for the future with the work we have undertaken in developing master plans for each of our sites as well as gathering evidence-based research for future development,” Ms Jones said.
Mr Coles will start with the WA Museum from 22 March 2010.
He will be charged with directing more than 220 staff across the Museum’s six public sites and the Collection Research Centre in Welshpool.
Please find a link to the Minister’s press release http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=132942
Media contact
Renae Woodhams
Western Australian Museum
Tel: +61 [0]8 9212 3860
Mob: 0439 948 779
