Museum of Contemporary Art former director awarded Doctor of Letters

Elizabeth Ann Macgregor AM OBE was conferred a Doctor of Letters of the University on Tuesday, 11 October. The ceremony was presided over by Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AC.

“Ms Macgregor has an unrivalled presence in the museum and contemporary art world in Australia and internationally, which saw her reinvigorate the Museum of Contemporary Art into a leading institution,” said Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson. “Her advocacy for female, First Nations, diverse and young artists will positively impact the arts sector into the foreseeable future – a legacy underpinning the widening of community cultural and social engagement.”

The former Museum of Contemporary Art director has contributed outstandingly as a world leader of museums and contemporary art in Australia and internationally. Ms Macgregor completed her Master of Arts in History of Arts Honours at the University of Edinburgh. She began her career working for the Scottish Arts Council's travelling gallery as a curator.

In 1989, she left the Arts Council of Great Britain and became the director of Ikon Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery in the United Kingdom. After success in the UK, she moved to Sydney to take on the director role at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in 1999.

Ms Macgregor inherited a museum facing significant challenges, and during her directorship she spearheaded its transformation into a leading public gallery. When she concluded her time at the MCA in 2021, the museum celebrated an established financial foundation, dramatically increased patronage, and a strong connection to its artists. However, Ms Macgregor's most prolific achievement was celebrating the MCA becoming the world's highest attended contemporary art museum, which resulted in her place on the Art Review Power List of the top 100 most influential people in the art world.

Her concern for future generations led Ms Macgregor to establish the MCA’s National Centre for Creative Learning and outreach programs in the wider public arena. In addition, she campaigned to develop the MCA’s national and international profile through a joint acquisition initiative with Tate Modern, which featured many Australian artists, especially First Nations artists. 

The MCA and the University’s Sydney College of Arts have fostered a strong connection, which has seen academic staff hold major survey exhibitions and roles in education programs, a long association with the Power Collection at the University, and collaborations on public programs. Students have also had opportunities to work as preparators and guides for work experience.

Throughout her career, Ms Macgregor has received many notable awards, which include an Order of the British Empire, the Australia Council Visual Arts Medal, the IMAGINE Museums and the Galleries NSW Individual Achievement Award.

The Australian Financial Review named her one of Australia’s top 100 Women of Influence in 2919, and in 2022 she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. 

Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the wider community or who have achieved exceptional academic or creative excellence.