Myles Russell-Cook named as ACCA’s new CEO and artistic director

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) has announced the appointment of Myles Russell-Cook as its new artistic director and CEO. 

A well-known figure in the art world, Myles brings a wealth of experience from his time at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where he was senior curator of Australian and First Nations Art. 

Notably, he has contributed to and curated recognised projects including the NGV Triennial, Melbourne Now, and the landmark collection exhibition, QUEER: Stories from the NGV Collection.

Hailing from an Aboriginal family with ties to the Wotjobaluk people, Myles has spent much of his career working to elevate First Nations art in both local and international contexts. 

At NGV, he played a key role in exhibitions such as Wurrdha Marra, which reintroduced First Peoples art to a prominent place in the gallery, and The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art, a major travelling exhibition set to debut in Washington D.C. in 2025.

Myles’ appointment follows the departure of long-serving director Max Delany, who is recognised for his efforts in expanding the presence of First Nations artists at ACCA. Commenting on the leadership transition, ACCA Chair Dr Terry Wu said, “We are very excited to welcome Myles to the role. He has a proven ability to transcend the boundaries of what contemporary art can do and be. He is a leading light within the next generation of Australian arts practitioners.”

Myles, who grew up in Naarm/Melbourne, said he was eager to take on the role at ACCA, an institution he has long admired.

ACCA has always been ahead of the conversation, providing opportunities for artists to create ambitious new work that often ends up in important collections. I’m excited to continue that legacy and lead ACCA into the future.

Looking ahead, Myles sees ACCA playing a significant role in the evolving Melbourne Arts Precinct. 

“The next decade in Melbourne presents a lot of opportunity, and I see ACCA as a leader not just in the precinct but beyond,” he added.

Myles will officially step into the role in November, bringing with him a strong commitment to inclusivity and an expansive vision for the future of ACCA and contemporary art in Melbourne. •