As the Museum’s new Chief Executive, Ms Havilah will guide the future of the new Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences complex beside the Parramatta River.
The Ultimo site of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences is being rezoned to help fund the Powerhouse’s move to Parramatta.
Ms Havilah is an internationally respected arts leader and will steer the Museum’s move to its new home.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said Ms Havilah was exceptionally well equipped to guide the future of MAAS during this transformational period.
The NSW government is moving ahead with its controversial decision to relocate the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta, making two major appointments to steer the final design of the new Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Global design competition consultancy firm Malcolm Reading has been appointed to manage the design process.
Ms Havilah replaces Dolla Merrillees, who stepped down in July after a lavish $200,000 fundraiser she approved raised just $70,000. She will be the Powerhouse Museum’s fourth head in less than six years.
Architect-led design teams from Australia and overseas will be invited to provide expressions of interest early in 2019, from which a shortlist of at least five teams will be chosen to develop their concepts for final judging and announcement of a winner in the second half of 2019.
“The independent jury, chaired by an experienced figure, will assess each concept and interview each team before making a recommendation on a winner to the Minister,” Mr Harwin said.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Lisa to this crucial role. There is no doubt her wealth of experience puts her in a class of her own. MAAS’s future, in particular the move of the Powerhouse Museum requires expert governance – I have total confidence Lisa is the person for the job,” Mr Harwin said.
“With eight years at Carriageworks, six years of experience as Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre and six years at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Lisa understands Western Sydney and the vibrant arts and culture sector that is growing daily in the West.”
Interested applicants are encouraged to register their details for the international design competition at https://competitions.malcolmreading.com/maasparramatta/.
“With eight years at Carriageworks, six years of experience as Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre and six years at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Lisa understands Western Sydney and the vibrant arts and culture sector that is growing daily in the West.”
Interested applicants are encouraged to register their details for the international design competition at https://competitions.malcolmreading.com/maasparramatta/.
