Museums Australia Media Release – 13 February 2015
Announcing our new National Director

The National Council of Museums Australia is delighted to announce Ms Alexandra Marsden as the organisation’s new National Director. Alex will follow Bernice Murphy’s nine years leadership of our organisation.

We are collectively elated about the new energy, new ideas, and new skills that Alex brings to Museums Australia. Alex is a design thinker and cultural heritage adviser. Prior to this appointment Alex was director of her own design thinking business following on from her role as lead project manager and strategic thinker at DesignGov, and a senior adviser in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has been a committed advocate for the cultural sector over many years, having developed heritage policy and programs at national and international levels, and is currently a Board member of AusHeritage. Alex will be responsible for steering Museums Australia’s strategic focus of strengthening and professionalising the museums and galleries sector through professional development, improved industry standards and ethics and of ensuring the potential of the digital revolution is harnessed to benefit Museums Australia members and the sector.

Making this announcement, Frank Howarth, Museums Australia President, said “I’m excited to be working with Alex who brings leadership and creativity to Museums Australia’s programs and a deep sense of commitment to our sector”.

Asked about how she would approach the new position, Alex said “I’m a collaborator, always open to new ideas and ways of doing things, and very much looking forward to meeting and working with our members and everyone who values and supports the development of Australia’s cultural life.” Alex will spend the next few weeks in learning-and-listening mode, and will take over the National Director position in early March 2015.

Farewelling our outgoing National Director

The National Council of Museums Australia warmly thanks and acknowledges Bernice Murphy’s nine years of wonderful leadership of the association as our outgoing National Director.

It was Bernice’s stewardship that led the organization over the past decade to an improved advocacy position and financial foundation. Bernice’s understanding of the issues that face the sector led to improved relationships with international organisations, Federal, State and Local Government and sectoral partners.

Bernice brought an international focus to Museums Australia, having previously served on the Council of International Council of Museums (ICOM) and as the Chair of the ICOM Ethics Committee. Museums Australia also benefited from Bernice’s experience, knowledge and networks within the visual arts sector.

It has been our privilege to work alongside Bernice and wish her great happiness as she begins a new chapter in her life and career.

Museums Australia