THE Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) and the SAM Foundation have appointed former GV Health Foundation director, Carmel Johnson, as the new SAM head of development.
Ms Johnson joins the SAM team to take the reins on the building capital campaign and to manage SAM’s ongoing fundraising.
She will be supported in the role by Ardmona resident, Anna Turnbull.
SAM artistic director and chief executive officer, Dr Rebecca Coates, welcomed Carmel and Anna to the team, saying, “The pair will bring a deep understanding of our community’s values and, draw on their extensive networks to ensure we engage with a cross section of our community.”
The pair will build on the work of a campaign which has raised more than $7.5M in pledges so far.
Ms Johnson described the new SAM as a game changer for the Greater Shepparton community.
“The new SAM is providing the community with a unique opportunity. This aspirational building is a reflection of what our community is capable of, a place to celebrate and immerse ourselves in our diverse culture and rich Indigenous history,” she said.
“SAM will stimulate participation in the arts and all things creative, it will generate pride and a true sense of place.”
In coming weeks, the SAM team will begin the enormous undertaking of moving the art collection to the new building and start installing exhibitions.
The building will open later in 2021.
