Paul Bowers (supplied).

ACMI announces Paul Bowers as new Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Arts Review, 18 July 2017

In an exciting time of renewal for the world’s leading moving image museum, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) has announced the appointment of Paul Bowers as its new Director of Exhibitions & Collections.

ACMI Director & CEO, Katrina Sedgwick, welcomed Paul to ACMI’s Executive leadership team. “We are delighted that Paul Bowers will be joining ACMI in this key role,” she said.

“Our exhibition and collections teams have been going from strength to strength, and as we begin the first stage of ACMI’s renewal, Paul’s extensive experience, his strategic and holistic understanding of the museum sector and his audience facing, progressive approach to the development and presentation of award winning exhibitions will be a real asset to our leadership team.”

Paul takes up the role as ACMI begins to develop designs for a multifaceted renewal that will transform the museum both physically and technologically, ensuring it remains at the forefront of 21st century museum practice. In the 2017-18 state budget, the Victorian Government reinforced their support of ACMI’s vision by funding the first stage this renewal with a commitment of $5 million over two years.

“I am extremely excited to be joining ACMI at this time. It will be a privilege to work with such talented staff, and play a role in delivering the compelling vision to be the world’s leading museum of the moving image,” said Paul.

An established museum professional, Paul comes to ACMI from Museums Victoria where he has been Head Exhibitions, Collections Research and Exhibitions Division since October 2013. Across three sites, Paul led longterm audience-centred renewal strategies including the development of the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery, expanding Melbourne Museum’s family offer, and a new experience for teenagers at Scienceworks.

Previously based in the UK, Paul has held leadership positions including Head of Exhibitions & Design at the National Railway Museum in York and Project Director at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, leading renewal projects and program development. Paul will take up the role at ACMI on Monday 21 August 2017.

Outgoing Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Russell Briggs, who joined ACMI in 2012, leaves to take up the position of Director, Engagement & Exhibitions at the Australian Museum. “Russell has made a wonderful contribution to ACMI over the past five years and we will miss him greatly,” said Katrina.

“Under his leadership, the exhibitions and collections team have flourished, delivering a dynamic program of touring and home grown exhibitions, substantially growing ACMI’s national and international touring business, and beginning an important new era of digitisation and opening up of our collection.”

“Additionally, he has been a vital part of the development of our successful bid for the first stage of ACMI’s renewal. We wish him the very best for his exciting new role at the Australian Museum and thank him for his great work with us.”

For more information about ACMI, visit: www.acmi.net.au for details.