The visual arts community is rejoicing in long-awaited news that curator Tony Oates has been appointed to head up the ANU Drill Hall Gallery and ANU Art Collection.

Oates has been with the Drill Hall Gallery since 2001, becoming co-director with Terence Maloon from 2022–2023. He has been interim director since June 2023 after Maloon’s retirement.

During that time, he has established a reputation for curating thematic exhibitions and artist surveys.

He has also secured a major donation in support of Drill Hall Gallery Publishing and the creation of a three-year, funded writers fellowship, developed the ANU Art Collection through gifts of artworks, received a sizeable donation to support public programs, and headed up a program of engagement.