The Art Gallery of New South Wales has announced two senior appointments, with John Wicks joining as Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer and Wayne Tunnicliffe promoted to the role of Director of Collections and Exhibitions, further strengthening the Art Gallery’s executive team under Director Maud Page.
Wicks brings decades of leadership experience across public and arts organisations. He played an instrumental role in the establishment of one of the world’s largest contemporary art museums, Hong Kong’s M+ Museum, serving as Deputy Director, Museum Operations and overseeing the building project in relation to museum operations and 2021 opening, encompassing staffing, business systems, technology, commercial partnerships and budgets.
Page and Wicks previously worked together during Wicks’ tenure as Chief Operating Officer of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where he contributed to the critical planning and development phase of the Sydney Modern Project. He most recently served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of State Library Victoria.
In the role, Wicks will work closely with Page to support the ongoing growth and strengthen the strategic and operational performance of the Art Gallery, which already receives annual visitation of more than two million.
Tunnicliffe’s promotion reflects his long-standing contribution to the Art Gallery and its collections and exhibition program. Since March 2025, he has served as acting Director of Collections, following his tenure as head curator of Australian art from 2011, where he led the vision and direction of the Australian art collection and exhibition program.
Tunnicliffe brings extensive experience curating both Australian and international exhibitions and collection displays, including stewardship of the Brett Whiteley Studio, and his major exhibitions include Streeton a
Under the appointment, Tunnicliffe will work alongside one of the strongest curatorial teams in the country to fuse curatorial vision with public programming. This includes the creation of the new role of Chief Curator and the bringing together of First Nations curatorial and public program teams. Tunnicliffe will oversee the care of the Art Gallery’s renowned art collection and lead the creative development, planning and delivery of the visionary exhibition program.
Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Maud Page said the appointments followed a competitive global recruitment search and support the Art Gallery’s bold ambitions for the future. “As well as being strong leaders, John and Wayne bring extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge that will be invaluable for the continued success of the Art Gallery,” said Page.
“Now one year into my tenure as Director, these appointments complete the four-member executive team and provide the leadership needed to support the Art Gallery’s exciting next phase.”
Tunnicliffe’s appointment commences on 30 March 2026 and Wicks’ appointment begins on 28 April 2026.
For more information about the Art Gallery of New South Wales and its programs, visit: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: John Wicks – photo by Jarrod Barnes | Wayne Tunnicliffe – photo by Jenni Carter