About

(l-r) Melinda Harper, Untitled 2002 and Untitled 2003
installation view, Making Her Mark: Selected Works from the Collection, TarraWarra Museum of Art, 2020
Courtesy of the artist
Photo: Andrew Curtis

A retreat for the imagination, TarraWarra Museum of Art is a place to discover the new and unexpected, and enjoy the serenity and endless dimensions of the seasons. An intimate museum with big ideas, it offers a glimpse into the intriguing worlds that artists create.

Set in an exquisite natural location on Wurundjeri Country in the Yarra Valley, the sense of arrival is breathtaking. Visitors can explore modern, contemporary, iconic and original artworks up close and immerse themselves in Australian art, architecture, First Nations culture and Country. Two remarkable buildings set the stage for exploration. The Eva and Marc Besen Centre designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects features a behind-the-scenes look at selected artworks from the permanent collection presented in visible art storage as well as multipurpose learning and performance spaces. The award-winning gallery designed by Allan Powell presents a generous program of exhibitions curated to inspire curiosity and support emerging and established artists to make new work.

Step outside and discover sculptures and installations including Valhalla by Callum Morton, originally created for the 52nd Venice Biennale. Established in 2003, the Museum and its collection of 600 artworks were gifted to the nation by renowned philanthropists, the late Eva Besen AO and Marc Besen AC, who over 7 decades collected artists who shaped the development of modern art in Australia.

Our Values

Respect for First Nations voices of Wurundjeri Country and beyond
Respect for art and the artist
Respect for the spirit of philanthropy – the inspiration for the Museum
Respect for the natural world and sense of place, inspiring fresh creative perspectives
Respect the diversity of our visitors
Respect for the curiosity of our audience
Respect for cultural safety, equity and access

Associations

People

Stacie Piper (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung)
Daniel Besen AM
Chair
Callum Morton
Deputy Chair
Christine Fleer
Michael Hay
Secretary
Merran Kelsall AO
Amy Maiden
Fiona Menzies
Sophie Travers
Dr Victoria Lynn
Victoria Lynn
Director
Tony Dutton
Tony Dutton
General Manager
Patrice Sharkey
Head of Exhibitions and Programs
Kali Michailidis
Kali Michailidis
Manager of External Relations (on maternity leave)
Anthony Fitzpatrick
Anthony Fitzpatrick
Curator
Nicole Haverfield
Office Coordinator
Charlotte Carter
Exhibitions Manager
Heather Saleeba
Heather Saleeba
Front of House
Steph Tesoriero
Steph Tesoriero
Front of House
Belinda Cameron
Registrar and Collection Manager
Sarah Metzner
Learning and Engagement Manager
Mel Hartigan
Learning and Engagement Assistant
Jasmin De Wolf
Jasmin de Wolf
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sunni Hart
Marketing Assistant
Glennys Hocking
Wendy Catling
Denise Farran
Helen Hardham
Emma Johnson
Annie Lawrence
Margaret McLoughlin
Sue Morgan
Carol Owen
Peter Sank
Diana Viggers
Kevin Whitton

Careers

TarraWarra Museum of Art encourages applicants from First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, disability and LGBTIQA+ communities to apply. We recognise that there are barriers to employment for people from these communities, and we encourage you to get in touch with us to explore alternative application methods or other ways of removing these barriers. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t have all the attributes listed above but feel that you would be a good fit.

Both roles are open for applications until the positions are filled, so we encourage you to submit your application quickly.

Marketing and Communications Manager

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Marketing and Communications Manager to join the team at TarraWarra Museum of Art in 2025! This position is responsible for leading and implementing the Museum’s marketing strategies, increasing audience engagement and brand awareness across exhibitions, collections, programs and events.

This role is full time and located in the Yarra Valley, suitable for a senior marketing professional with experience in a similar arts-related role.

Learn more and apply 

Learning and Engagement Coordinator (part time)

The Learning and Engagement Coordinator works creatively and collaboratively with the Learning and Engagement Manager on the design and development of the Museum’s learning experiences and engagement programs for school students, tertiary groups, children, young people and families. The position is responsible for coordinating the Museum’s education programs, including building and maintaining positive relationships with teachers and schools across the state.

This is an administrative and hands-on position that requires an understanding of Victorian Curriculum requirements for primary, secondary and VCE students. A key part of the position also involves delivering learning and engagement programs.

This is a two-year (0.6 FTE) contract position with option to convert to permanent employment at the end of the contract.

Learn more and apply 

Media

TarraWarra Museum of Art can assist with site visits for media, information about our exhibitions and programs, interviews and picture opportunities with artists and Museum staff and copyright-cleared images and video.

See our latest media releases below, or contact us to be added to our media list.

MEDIA RELEASES

Policies & Reports

TarraWarra Museum of Art’s governance policies and reports.

SEE ALL

Sustainability

Building on our engagement with art and with place, the Museum is committed to protect and exhibit exceptional artworks in a way that minimises our environmental impact. The United Nations has stated that global carbon emissions must halve by 2030 – with a goal to achieve zero carbon globally by 2050. The Museum embraces this challenge and aims to be water neutral with zero carbon and zero landfill by 2030. Building lasting relationships with the Indigenous community and caring for country through minimising our impact on the environment is an important part of our continuing journey to sustainability.

Our Story Visit
New exhibition 'Intimate Imaginaries' now showing!BOOK TICKETS
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