State of GLAM: Leadership Panel

Over the past 12 months, there have been changes in leadership at the State Library, Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum, MOD. and the History Trust of South Australia. Meanwhile, both the State Government and the City of Adelaide are expected to launch new cultural policies in 2025.

Where does GLAM sit in the City’s and State’s vision for culture? What opportunities and challenges do leaders in SA’s GLAM and broader cultural sector see on the horizon? This interactive panel session will be a chance to hear directly from senior leaders in the sector, including putting your questions to them.

Panellists to include:

Dr Lisa Bailey is Director of MOD., Australia's award-winning future-focused museum at the University of South Australia. She has worked in science communication at cultural institutions including the Royal Institution of Great Britain and The Royal Institution of Australia. She served as President of Australian Science Communicators from 2018-2021.

Michael Harvey joined the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia as Director in 2021, bringing 20 years of experience in the museum, culture and science sector to the role. His particular focus has been on the development of public experience in museums of science and natural history.

Jason Smith has worked in major Australian public art galleries since 1993.  Since February 2025 he has been Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia. Previously he was Director of Geelong Gallery; Curatorial Manager, Australian Art, at the Queensland Art Gallery|Gallery of Modern Art; Director of Heide Museum of Modern Art; and for a decade was Curator of Contemporary Art at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Additional panellists to be announced. Panel discussion to be followed by drinks and nibbles.