Change in Leadership at the Melbourne Art Foundation: Mary Wenholz Appointed CEO
After 7 years at the helm, Melbourne Art Foundation CEO Maree Di Pasquale has announced she will leave her current role to explore the next phase of her career.
Maree Di Pasquale has led the Melbourne Art Foundation through a period of dynamic development, spearheading the revitalisation of Melbourne Art Fair, the introduction of new cultural fairs, and the expansion of the organisation’s commissions program.
The Melbourne Art Foundation Board would like to thank Maree Di Pasquale for her longstanding commitment as CEO. At the same time, the Melbourne Art Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Wenholz who has held the post Director of Events and Operations from 2022 – 2024.
“Under the leadership of Maree Di Pasquale, Melbourne Art Fair has developed into one of the region’s most prestigious art fairs and a progressive forum for art ideas”, states Peter Jopling AM KC Chair of the Melbourne Art Foundation Board. “Our thanks go to Maree for her immense personal commitment, her uncompromising vision and her notable successes in the strategic positioning of Melbourne Art Fair and new cultural initiatives and programs introduced under her direction, including the William Mora Indigenous Art Centre Program, expanded MAF Commissions program, the BEYOND installation sector, and international moving-image program VIDEO.”
Peter Jopling adds, “On behalf of the Melbourne Art Foundation Board, I am delighted to be welcoming Mary Wenholz to the role of CEO. We are confident that Mary’s commercial and arts industry experience, and extensive relationships within Australasia’s cultural sector, will be instrumental in further developing the Melbourne Art Foundation and delivering on the organisation’s plans for growth.”
Maree Di Pasquale joined the Melbourne Art Foundation in 2017 as CEO and Fair Director. “Following the successful delivery of the 17th edition and announcement of a now annual summer model, I am leaving the Melbourne Art Foundation on a high.” Maree Di Pasquale said.
“Having relaunched Melbourne Art Fair, rebooted the Melbourne Art Foundation commissions and grants program, launched the Melbourne Design Fair in partnership with the NGV, and led the Melbourne Art Foundation through a global pandemic, it has come time to entrust the legacy of MAF to a new leadership team. I am thrilled that my talented friend and colleague Mary Wenholz has been appointed as CEO to lead the organisation during this next stage, and with the exceptional Melissa Loughnan supporting as Fair Director.
Maree Di Pasquale continues, “I would like to thank my extraordinary team, artworld colleagues and partners for their support and commitment to MAF during my tenure. It has been an absolute pleasure and career highlight working with you all.”
Mary Wenholz brings near two decades of experience to the role having worked at a senior level across some of the region’s most significant art fairs and commercial galleries.
Mary Wenholz CEO Melbourne Art Foundation says, “I am honoured and delighted to take on the role of CEO and commit to tirelessly advocating for the support of living artists and the commercial gallery sector which represents them. I would like to thank the Melbourne Art Foundation Board for their confidence in me as well as Maree for her leadership during a period that has seen Melbourne Art Foundation rebuild and flourish. This marks a thrilling time in the organisation, as we embark on an ambitious period of growth and refinement as the region’s most connected and impactful nonprofit in support of commercial galleries and their artists.”
The next edition of Melbourne Art Fair takes place 20 – 23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Mary Wenholz, CEO, Melbourne Art Foundation
Having worked across a global network of art fairs and some of the region’s most significant commercial galleries, Mary Wenholz has developed extensive relationships across Australasia’s cultural sector. Mary joined the Melbourne Art Foundation in 2022 in the post of Director of Events and Operations, overseeing the successful launch of the inaugural Melbourne Design Fair delivered in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria. Mary has also been involved in the successful delivery of seven editions of Sydney Contemporary (2015-2022), in addition to contributing to fairs internationally including Art Central Hong Kong (2014, 2015, and 2017), Art16 London (2016), and the Melbourne Art Fair (2014). As Event Manager, Mary delivered a city-wide program for Art Month Sydney (2016 and 2017). Prior to this, Mary was the Associate Director at Anna Schwartz Gallery, Sydney, overseeing the staging of significant exhibitions including Erwin Wurm, Candice Breitz and You promised me, and you said a lie to me, curated by Alexie Glass Kantor. From 2008 – 2013, Mary was Associate Director at Gallery Barry Keldoulis, managing the gallery’s relationship with artists and collectors, and its participation at Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Stage Singapore, Korean International Art Fair (KIAF) and the Melbourne Art Fair. Mary has a BA (Hons) and MFA from Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.
