Vale, the Hon. Simon Crean, Chair McClelland

On behalf of the Board and Staff, McClelland sculpture park and gallery expresses great sadness at the sudden passing of our Chair, the Hon Simon Crean.

Mr Crean joined the McClelland Board in May 2021 and assumed the Chairmanship in April 2022.

McClelland director, Lisa Byrne, said Mr Crean had made an enormous contribution during his service to McClelland, through his wisdom, energy and experience.

“Simon Crean was a leading figure in the political, industrial and cultural life of Australia for many decades.

"As a former Federal Arts Minister, he brought to the McClelland Board an unparalleled mix of expertise in industry, politics and the arts.

"He was instrumental in the development of the Creative Nation Policy which informed the new Creative Australia Policy.

"In his own words: ‘I’ve long held a passion for the arts. It’s not just the enjoyment they bring, I see the artist as central to us as a nation and to securing its future’.

“Mr Crean joined us in our 50th Anniversary year helping McClelland celebrate this important milestone, and in the ongoing development of McClelland as Australia’s pre-eminent sculpture park and gallery.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Carole, family, and friends,” Ms Byrne said.

In terms of the McClelland Board of Trustees, Board Member Matt Healy will act as Interim Chairman, supported by Michael Wise KC as Deputy Chairman, and Shireen Jahan as Treasurer.