Creative Australia acknowledges the passing of Leon Paroissien AM, a pioneer and a tireless advocate for Australian visual arts.
Between 1974 and 1980 Mr Paroissien was the first Director of the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts and, as became a hallmark of Leon’s long and distinguished career, his energy and impact were profound.
Among many breakthrough programs initiated by the Visual Arts Board under Leon’s directorship, he was instrumental in the establishment and management of the Art Indemnity Scheme (for International Exhibitions to Australia), the Contemporary Art Acquisition Scheme for Australian Galleries, the Arts in Schools program, and the Sculpture in Public Places program.
Leon continued his involvement with the Australia Council long after leaving the Visual Arts Board role as Commissioner of the Paris Biennale in 1980, then as Director of the 1984 Sydney Biennale, Commissioner of the 49th Venice Biennale in 2001, member of Task Force for Venice Architecture Biennale 2005, member of the Australia Council’s Nominations and Governance Committee 2005, and finally as a member of the Management Committee of Donations Fund between 2005 to 2008.
Mr Paroissien was the winner of the Australia Council’s Visual Arts Emeritus Medal in 1998.
As founding Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art between 1989 to 1997, Leon worked alongside his partner and Chief Curator Bernice Murphy, presenting ground-breaking exhibitions of contemporary art from Australia, the Asia Pacific region and around the world.
In a career spanning decades of administrative service, Leon was also Chair of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Co-ordination Authority Public Art Advisory Panel from 1996-2001; founding Director of Taipei’s Museum of Contemporary Art in 2001; Adjunct Professor, Design and Architecture, at the University of Canberra from 2004–2010; and Chair of Australian Design Centre’s Board of Directors (2005-2011) and the City of Sydney’s Public Art Advisory Panel from 2007–2019.
Leon was also a prolific and accomplished writer and editor, with the Australian Art Review and Art and Australia among titles he edited.
Creative Australia’s Head of Visual Arts Mikala Tai said:
“Leon Paroissien was a visionary leader whose strong advocacy and dedication to connecting artists and audiences shaped our creative landscape for the better. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and the arts community.”
Vale
Leon Paroissien AM
1937-2024