With purpose and momentum: QVMAG enters new era, QVMAG, 16 July 2026
The City of Launceston has appointed Jonathan McBurnie as Director of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG), marking the next phase in the institution’s ongoing evolution and ambition.
Holding a PhD from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours – First Class) from the Queensland College of the Arts, McBurnie brings extensive leadership experience across the Australian Galleries, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) sector, with a career spanning more than a decade in regional institutions.
Most recently holding the position of Director of the Rockhampton Museum of Art, QVMAG represents McBurnie’s fourth directorship underscoring a sustained focus on strengthening regional cultural institutions and positioning them as nationally relevant destinations.
His leadership is defined by a sharp focus on performance, long -term sustainability, and delivering programs that are both locally rooted and globally engaged. He has demonstrated success in securing investment, building capable teams, and aligning cultura l institutions with broader economic, tourism and community outcomes.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the appointment reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to one of the city’s most important cultural assets. “QVMAG is one of those institutions that punches well above its weight. It plays an important role in our community, our visitor economy and in telling the stories that make our region what it is,” Mayor Garwood said.
“Following a record year of visitation, QVMAG is in a really strong position. This appointment is about building on that success, continuing to grow its reach and ensuring it remains relevant, engaging and accessible for future generations.
“We’re fortunate to have a museum and gallery of this calibre in Launceston. The opportunity now is to continue that momentum and make sure QVMAG remains a place that locals are proud of and visitors seek out when they’re in Northern Tasmania.”
Commencing in April, QVMAG Director Jonathan McBurnie said his focus is on building upon the institution’s established strengths while positioning it for future opportunities.
“QVMAG has a clear identity, a strong collection, and a highly engaged community. That provides a solid foundation for the next phase of development,” McBurnie said.
“The opportunity lies in continuing to grow its relevance locally and beyond through programming, partnerships and research that connects with audiences in meaningful ways.
“Growing up regionally myself, I believe not only in the importance of supporting and cultivating quality cultural experiences for the regions, but giving the big cities a run for their money, producing experiences that force them to come visit us for a change.
“Regional institutions have a distinct role to play in the national cultural landscape. QVMAG is already well established in that space, and the focus now is on consolidating and extending that position.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be here at QVMAG in Launceston – as Director of this iconic institution , this is a position that I don’t take lightly.
“Through my many visits to Launceston , I’ve been fortunate to watch the institution’s growth over recent years and to see how it’s been supporting northern Tasmania through highly engaging community programming and educational outcomes.
“QVMAG’s exhibition program and community engagement creates a platform for sustained impact across cultural, social and economic outcomes.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team, Council and the community to build on that momentum and guide the organisation through its next stage. “Now, with a young family, it makes me very happy to call this beautiful city home and to work with the incredible community that surrounds it for the long term.”