First Nations Telegraph

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin announced the appointment of Professor Robynne Quiggin to the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trust. Professor Quiggin will be the first Aboriginal Trustee of the museum in its 143-year history.

​

Professor Quiggin will work alongside Trust President Peter Collins AM QC to provide guidance and support to the museum’s First Nations Directorate. Professor Quiggin will help shape Powerhouse policies and plans to ensure a self-determined direction for Aboriginal representation and engagement at the museum.

​

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said Professor Quiggin’s extensive experience and diverse skillset will support the growth and renewal of the Powerhouse.

​

“Professor Quiggin’s exceptional leadership experience in sectors including law, education and business will be instrumental to the Powerhouse during its renewal,” said Mr Franklin.

​

“This is a historic and timely appointment which reflects the importance of Aboriginal leadership and representation in the NSW arts and cultural sector.”

​

Museum Trust President Peter Collins welcomed Professor Quiggin to the Trust and referenced the significant contribution she will make to the governance of the institution. 

​

“Professor Quiggin’s extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural rights and financial governance, as well as her prior experience supporting cultural institutions in NSW will be of significant value to the museum,” said Mr Collins.

​

“One of the foundational aims of the museum’s First Nations Directorate is to advocate international best practice in Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, First Nations cultural protocol and ethical collection management of First Nations cultural belongings. Professor Quiggin’s expertise will be instrumental in achieving that vision and we are thrilled to have her join the Trust,” said Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah.

​

Professor Quiggin highlighted her enthusiasm for working with the Trust and Powerhouse team, and the importance of Indigenous leadership in contemporary museum practice.

​

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside the Trust, Chief Executive and the Powerhouse’s First Nations Directorate during this transformative period in the museum’s history,” said Professor Quiggin.

​

“I believe museums have a critical role to play in advocating for Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights and make an important contribution to the life of our nation."

“I am confident that together with the Powerhouse team, we can create new ways of thinking about the recognition of First Nations culture, knowledge and artistic expression both in Australia and internationally."

​

Professor Quiggin is a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central western New South Wales and an expert in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural rights. She is Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Board, Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) and Professor at the UTS Business School, and Chair of the Human Rights Law Centre Board.

​