It is with deep regret, but great pride, that the National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the decision of its Deputy Chairman, Dr Gene Sherman AM, to resign from the Gallery’s Board, effective from 12 June, to focus on a new international role as co-Chair of the Tate Asia Pacific Acquisitions Committee.
Dr Sherman joined the Gallery’s Advisory Board in May 2009 and was named Deputy Chair of the Gallery Board of Trustees in 2013. During her time on the Board Dr Sherman contributed to the successful transition of the Gallery to Statutory Authority status and to the establishment of a Foundation to help expand private philanthropic support.
Chairman of the Board, Dr Helen Nugent AO, said ‘Gene Sherman has made an extraordinary contribution to the life of the National Portrait Gallery. Her incomparable knowledge of contemporary Australian and Asian art has been invaluable to the Gallery. She has also been a wonderful and collegial colleague with whom I have been immensely privileged to work.’
Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Mr Angus Trumble, said ‘Gene Sherman has been one of the National Portrait Gallery’s guiding lights and an invaluable source of advice and support to me personally. We shall miss her very much indeed.’
Dr Sherman is Chairman and Executive Director of Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, formerly Director and Proprietor of Sherman Galleries. She is also Adjunct Professor, UNSW Australia Art and Design, an Ambassador for Asialink Asia Literacy, Board member of the Australian Institute of Art History, and Patron, Centre for Fashion, MAAS (Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, formerly the Powerhouse Museum).
Dr Sherman takes up her new role as Co-Chair of the Tate Asia Pacific Acquisitions Committee from 12 June 2015.
