Nairne to become Chair of Art Fund

Art Fund has announced that SANDY NAIRNE, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery, will become the organisation's Chair of Trustees.

He succeeds CHRIS SMITH (Lord Smith of Finsbury), the UK's first Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from 1997 to 2001, who has been at the helm at Art Fund since 2014.

Nairne, who over the course of a 45-year career in museums and galleries has also held positions at Tate, the Arts Council of Great Britain and the Institute of Contemporary Arts, will take up the role in the autumn.

He said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of Art Fund and to follow Chris Smith, who has led it with such distinction through a period of successful development. 

"This is a dynamic, independent organisation that I admire tremendously. Art Fund is doing crucial work across the visual arts, particularly at a time when renewing collections, investing in expertise and extending engagement are vital to the culture and heritage of this country.”  

JENNY WALDMAN, Director of Art Fund, said Nairne has "a wealth of curatorial, operational and strategic experience". 

"His insight will be invaluable as Art Fund continues in its mission: to enrich UK museum collections; build an ever increasing and more diverse audience for art and culture; and advocate for a thriving museum and gallery sector.  

"Although Chris has to retire from the board this autumn, we know that he will remain an important friend and ambassador for Art Fund and we look forward to celebrating his contribution over the coming months.” 

Smith said: "I've been so proud to lead this great organisation, and I warmly welcome Sandy to the role, and wish him well in carrying on Art Fund's great work."