Marah Braye will take up the role in August 2014 following the close of the 19th Biennale of Sydney. Andrew Cameron said: ‘We are thrilled for Marah and have thanked her for her years of wonderful dedication to the Biennale.

‘To have been selected through an international search to be the Chief Executive Officer of Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, one of the largest multidisciplinary cultural centres in the world, is indeed an honour and one she well deserves.

‘Marah has been Chief Executive Officer of the Biennale of Sydney since October 2006. The 16th Biennale of Sydney (2008) was the first under Marah’s leadership and realised the inaugural use of World Heritage–listed Cockatoo Island as a major venue. Since then, visitation to the Biennale of Sydney has more than doubled, with the 2012 exhibition achieving record visits.

‘Under Marah’s leadership, the Biennale has secured its international pre-eminence and reach, and substantially increased its presence locally and nationally. During her tenure, the Biennale of Sydney has received many accolades: the 16th Biennale of Sydney (2008) was awarded the ‘Australian Event of the Year’ and ‘Best Cultural or Arts Event’ at the 2009 Australian Event Awards and, most recently, the 2012 exhibition was awarded ‘Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event’ at the 2013 Australian Event Awards.’

Marah Braye said: ‘I am very excited to have accepted this role. The Harbourfront Centre is a landmark institution and an extraordinary cultural centre.

‘I want to thank the people who have supported me over the past eight years. During this period, I have had the enormous benefit of working with four wonderful teams and many talented colleagues who stayed for multiple biennales, as well as a great Board of Directors. I was extremely fortunate to work with Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev on my first Biennale in 2008 and, equally, I have been delighted to work with Juliana Engberg on my last. They are both extraordinary curators.

‘I continue to believe that the Biennale of Sydney is this country’s international jewel in the crown. I wish the Biennale every success for the future.’

The Board of the Biennale has commenced a search for a new Chief Executive Officer. Danielle Earp, Deputy Head of Exhibition, will be the interim Chief Executive Officer until an appointment is made.

About the Biennale of Sydney
The Biennale of Sydney is a non-profit organisation that presents Australia’s largest and most exciting contemporary visual arts event. Held every two years, the Biennale is a three-month exhibition, with an accompanying program of artist talks, performances, forums, guided tours, family days and other special events – all FREE to the public.

The Biennale of Sydney was the first biennale to be established in the Asia-Pacific region and, alongside the Venice and São Paulo biennales and documenta, is one of the longest running exhibitions of its kind.

Since its inception in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney has provided an international platform for innovative and challenging contemporary art, showcasing the work of nearly 1700 artists from more than 100 countries. Today it ranks as one of the leading international festivals of contemporary art and continues to be recognised for presenting the freshest and most provocative art from Australia and around the world.