ACCA CEO and artistic director to step down

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) CEO and artistic director Max Delany has announced plans to step down from his role by November 2024 after nearly a decade of leadership.

Mr Delany took on his role at ACCA in early 2016, leading a range of significant exhibitions throughout his time that explored contemporary art's connection to social, cultural, and political contexts, including Sovereignty, Unfinished Business: Perspectives on Art and Feminism, On Vulnerability and Doubt, and Who’s Afraid of Public Space?.

“It has been a privilege to lead ACCA over almost a decade,” Mr Delany said.

The work of artists lies at the heart of what we do, and I am immeasurably grateful for their collaboration and trust, and for the visionary, philosophical and transformational role that artists play in our society.

While the gallery’s board members and colleagues are saddened to see him depart, ACCA’s chair Dr. Terry Wu acknowledged Mr Delany’s profound contributions to the institution.

“While we are all deeply saddened to hear this news, we know Max leaves ACCA in incredible shape after nine years delivering a dynamic and ambitious curatorial vision,” Dr Wu said.

ACCA’s board said that recruitment for a new artistic director and CEO would soon begin.

“It has been an honour working with such an outstanding, dedicated, and inspiring team, and members of ACCA’s board, whose vision, support and counsel have been courageous and unwavering, motivating and enabling,” Mr Delany said.