A highly regarded arts leader with extensive experience in the public and private gallery sectors, Bree is currently Director of the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), a position she has held since 2016. Prior to this, she was Executive Director of Vox Populi, a not-for-profit contemporary art space in Philadelphia and Cultural Program Manager for the Australian Embassy in Washington DC.
At MAMA, Bree designed and implemented the strategic and creative vision for the newly refurbished museum, establishing it as a nationally-recognised destination whilst also deepening its collaboration with and impact on the local community. She is also an exceptional curator with a distinguished catalogue of past exhibitions and programs behind her, and a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of artists and arts workers.
NPG Chair Penny Fowler said she was thrilled with the appointment. “Bree has a proven track record as an ambitious and transformative arts-leader, who steered the refurbishment and relaunched MAMA into a dynamic operational stage. Her vision and ideas had positive impacts across all aspects of the business, from education to governance to building the collection and establishing a dynamic exhibitions and public program.
“Bree’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the NPG as it enters its 25th year, and we know she will bring energy, ideas, an appetite for innovation and a passion for growth and expansion into this important role.”
Bree replaces outgoing Director Karen Quinlan AM, who departed the NPG in 2022 to take up a new position as CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne.
Bree Pickering said she was thrilled and honoured to be appointed Director of the National Portrait Gallery. “The Gallery is dynamic and innovative, and as a young national cultural institution it is well positioned to respond to and reflect upon our culture and history. I join the Gallery at an exciting time with the recently launched National Cultural Policy promising a reinvigoration of the arts and culture sector. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Gallery’s continued success in its 25th year and beyond.”
