Tony Oates appointed as head of the Drill Hall Gallery

University Librarian, Roxanne Missingham is delighted to announce that Anthony (Tony) Oates has been appointed as the Director of the Drill Hall Gallery and ANU Art Collection. Tony is an outstanding curator and art gallery director and has been with the Drill Hall Gallery since 2001, and was Co-Director with Terence Maloon from 2022-2023, and has been interim Director since June 2023.

Tony has established a reputation for curating highly successfully, energetic thematic exhibitions and critically acclaimed artist surveys which historically contextualise artistic achievements.

Over the last two years he has significantly developed the role, securing a major donation in support of DHG Publishing and the creation of a philanthropically funded Writers Fellowship for three years, received over $2 million in gifts of artworks, a $50,000 donation to support public programs, and inspired a dedicated team to produce a nationally recognised, stimulating and challenging program of engagement. 

Regarding the appointment, Ms Missingham said “Tony is a passionate and inspiring leader who highly engages with research and education and ANU. I have no doubt he will continue to be an outstanding leader in this space with great vision and the ability to foster relationships and funding to achieve great things”.

See current and upcoming exhibitions on the Drill Hall Gallery website.