International arts leader and former New Zealand gallery head, Rhana Devenport has been appointed the director of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Ms Devenport becomes the first woman to take up the role and replaces Nick Mitzevich who held the position for eight years.
Premier Steven Marshall says she has more than 25 years experience in collection development and exhibition presentation across several national and international platforms and has forged significant connections with artists, donors, benefactors and sponsors.
"Ms Devenport brings to Adelaide a wealth of experience, leadership acumen and, significantly, a genuine commitment to and understanding of the important role art can play in people's lives," he said.
"South Australia has a proud history of championing the role and contribution of women across all sectors of our community, from politics and Indigenous affairs, to science and the arts, and this appointment continues that legacy."
In New Zealand, Ms Devenport was the director of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth, leading the development of the Len Lye Centre.
In 2013, she became director of Auckland Art Gallery and, in 2017, curated the work of Lisa Reihana as the New Zealand Pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale.
She said she was deeply honoured by her appointment, hailing the SA gallery's outstanding collection and program of dynamic exhibitions.
"Great art museums are the heart of great cities and reflect how a city considers itself in the world and how it contributes to self-discovery, empathy and shared knowledge," she said.
