The Morrison Government has appointed Ms Daryl Karp AM as Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM).

Ms Karp, who takes up this role on 4 July 2022, is currently the Director of the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said Ms Karp’s understanding of the Australian museums sector will mean the ANMM has strong leadership as it emerges from the pandemic.

“I congratulate Ms Karp on her appointment as Director of the ANMM, and look forward to her contributions to the ongoing evolution of this institution, particularly around strengthening its national presence, maximising digital capabilities, and increasing audience engagement,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Ms Karp brings extensive experience to her new role – having been Director of MoAD since 2013 and previously holding executive roles in broadcast media, independent production houses and the public sector, where she demonstrated her high-level leadership and vision to address accessibility, digitisation and financial management priorities.

“I wish to thank the previous ANMM Director, Mr Kevin Sumption PSM, for 10 successful years leading the institution, particularly during the challenges of COVID-19.”

“His influence in touring and outreach activities, and for continuing to champion and showcase Australia’s Indigenous culture for the education, enrichment and benefit of all Australians,” Minister Fletcher said.

The Chair of the ANMM Council, Mr John Mullen AM said, “On behalf of the Museum Council I welcome Ms Karp’s appointment. She brings a wealth of leadership experience from across the cultural sector and is perfectly positioned to steer the Museum forward as we navigate out of the disruptions of the past two years.”

Ms Karp is the Chair of the Canberra Writers Festival, and served as Chair of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors from 2017 to 2021. Her previous positions also include CEO and Managing Director of Film Australia, Head of Factual Programs (Television) at the ABC, and Non-Executive Director for SBS. She has also served on the Boards of the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

Media contact:

Christine Vanden Byllaardt | 0409 433 357 | Christine.VandenByllaardt@communications.gov.au