Australia Council for the Arts Chair Rupert Myer has been honoured in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list with an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Mr Myer was recognised “for distinguished service to the visual and performing arts, through governance roles with leading cultural institutions, as a supporter and benefactor, to the promotion of philanthropy, and to the community”.

Australia Council Chief Executive Mr Tony Grybowski congratulated Mr Myer on behalf of the Council.

“Rupert Myer has been a tireless and passionate advocate for Australian arts for many years. He has served in leadership roles with a number of the nation’s leading arts and cultural institutions, including Chair of the National Gallery of Australia, Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria, Board Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, and currently as Chair of the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, the Australia Council for the Arts.” Mr Grybowski said.

“Rupert is also well known for his generous philanthropic support for the arts, most recently as a supporter of Australia’s new national pavilion at the Venice Biennale, a project which was predominantly funded through private support and which opened very successfully last month.

“The Council has been honoured to have Rupert serve as Board Chair since 2012. During this time he has provided outstanding leadership as we have implemented the most significant reforms since the Australia Council was established nearly half a century ago.”

“It is a privilege to work with Rupert and I am delighted that his incredible contribution to the arts has been recognised in this way. Rupert has a commitment to increasing the visibility and vitality of the arts in this country which is truly inspiring.”

Rupert Myer AO was made a Member of the Order of Australia in January 2005 in recognition of his service to the arts and for his support of museums, galleries, and the community through a range of philanthropic and service organisations.

The Officer of the Order of Australia is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity at large.

For more information on Rupert Myer AO go to: https://creative.gov.au/about/our-board/rupert-myer-ao/

For more information on the Officer of the Order of Australia go to: https://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/awards/medals/officer_order_australia.cfm