Elizabeth Ann Macgregor

Director, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Winner 2008

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor completed an MA History of Art (Hons) at Edinburgh University and a Diploma in Museum and Gallery Studies at Manchester University.

Upon graduating, she curated the Scottish Arts Council’s travelling gallery before moving to the Arts Council of Great Britain in 1985. In 1989 she was appointed Director of Ikon Gallery, a leading UK contemporary art gallery.

In 1999, Liz Ann became Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. Liz Ann’s ‘raison d’être’ is to inspire in others a sense of how art can enhance their lives. In 2001 Macgregor successfully negotiated long-term funding for the MCA with the NSW State Government, securing the Museum’s stability and long-term viability. She has gained support among corporate Australia, reminding them of the critical importance of their commitment to the arts in order to achieve a thriving creative nation.

In 2000, with support from private sponsorship, Liz Ann moved the museum from a general admission charge to a free access model with specific ticketed exhibitions. Since the introduction of free entry, attendance figures have increased three-fold, reaching an all time record of 400,000 last year. Macgregor is also committed to taking the work of the Museum out to new audiences as well as attracting more visitors to the Circular Quay site.

In 2007, the MCA was named Sydney’s favourite museum in the annual Chamber of Commerce survey, beating more established institutions.

Winning the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award has...

given me the opportunity to promote the MCA as a serious business that contributes to social and economic, as well as artistic outcomes.

Do you have a vision for making sure that your company will last well into the future?

The MCA mission is to be locally loved, nationally respected and internationally renowned. I have established various programs to build up the support for the Museum on these three levels which will ensure the MCA continues to build audiences and confirms its reputation as a world class museum.

What words of advice would you give to someone starting their own business, especially in the current economic environment?

Stay true to your beliefs, focus and don’t give up, even when the hurdles seem insurmountable.

Veuve Clicquot is about style, touch, twist – what twist do you bring to your work?

I love tartan – of any kind! This eccentricity gives a distinctive edge to my public profile.

How can a leader be both daring and caring at the same time?

We know that a successful business must nurture its employees. I lead through making the difficult decisions whilst seeking to inspire those around me to do their best to achieve the innovative goals we set together.