THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
STATEMENT
BETTY CHURCHER
We mourn the death today of Betty Churcher, Director of the National Gallery of Australia from 1990 to 1997 - she was the National Gallery's first, and so far only, female director.
Betty's life was punctuated with countless achievements in her life-long mission to make art understandable, accessible and available to all Australians.
She took art to the people without needing to simplify or reduce it. She appreciated it and absorbed it with wit, emotion and insight, and so many of us learnt from her magnificent example.
In her time at the National Gallery she brought historic and significant exhibitions to Australia, pictures never before seen here.
Beyond these blockbuster shows, Betty was a loud and proud promoter of our National Gallery to all, encouraging people from all walks of life to appreciate the riches of the Gallery's permanent collection.
After she left the Gallery in 1997 her love of art and her passion to share it with Australians did not waiver. She continued to speak and write about art, on television and through books.
Betty Churcher made an enormous contribution to Australia's cultural life. Her fierce passion for Australia's arts community was underpinned by diligence, humility and a relentless work ethic.
Betty Churcher infused her unsurpassed capacity to take art to the people with a grace and class that made her one of the most adored leaders in Australia's arts community.
Labor extends its condolences to her four children and seven grandchildren.
TUESDAY, 31 MARCH 2015
