Mr Max Delany

Max Delany is Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), Melbourne, a role he has held since 2016. He was formerly Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (2012–2016), and Director, Monash University Museum of Art (2004–2012), where he oversaw the development of MUMA’s award-winning architectural premises on the Caulfield campus.

Since 2011 Max has held the position of adjunct Associate Professor, Curatorial Practice, in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, Monash University; and was awarded a Monash University Fellowship in 2018. He is currently Deputy Chair, Contemporary Art Organisations Australia (CAOA), and has contributed to numerous government, academic and professional advisory boards, and on public art strategy and procurement for a range of architectural and infrastructure projects.

At ACCA Max has been responsible for a wide range of curatorial projects and accompanying publications including Paul Yore: WORD MADE FLESH, 2022; Who's Afraid of Public Space?, 2021–22; Yhonnie Scarce: Missile Park, 2021; On Vulnerability and Doubt, 2019; Tom Nicholson: Public Meeting 2019; Unfinished Business: Perspectives on art and feminism, 2017–18; Claire Lambe: Mother Holding Something Horrific, 2017; and Sovereignty, 2016–17, among others.

At the NGV Max was responsible for several significant curatorial projects including Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei, 2015–16; David Shrigley: Life and Life Drawing, 2014–15; Melbourne Now 2013–14 and Mix Tape 1980s: Appropriation, Subculture, Critical Style 2013.

Max is passionate about the role of contemporary art in the wider community, and the contribution that contemporary artists and creative practitioners make to our cultural life, identity, and sense of community and belonging. He has been a strong advocate for the work of First Nations artists, curators and cultural practitioners, and for cultural exchange between artists and colleagues in Australia and internationally. He is committed to the transformative potential of art in the community and public realm, and the important role of art education in inspiring lifelong learning and cultural participation.

Max completed a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts at Monash University.