MCCLELLAND Gallery chair Simon Crean has died.
Crean, a former leader of the Labor Party, passed away in Germany on 25 June. He was 74 years old.
Crean was appointed chair of the McClelland Gallery board in April of 2022. He joined the board the year prior.
McClelland director Lisa Byrne said that Crean 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,” Byrne said. “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.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last week that Crean would receive a state funeral.