Melbourne Art Foundation also announces the departure of CEO Mary Wenholz and appointment of former PHOTO Australia Executive Director, Clare McKenzie as CEO.

Mary joined Melbourne Art Foundation in 2022 as Director of Events and Operations before taking on the position of CEO ahead of the 2025 edition of Melbourne Art Fair. In her role as CEO, Mary has spearheaded the evolution of the Melbourne Art Fair’s generous grants program including the introduction of the Melbourne Art Foundation Art Acquisition Support Fund which was established in 2026 to facilitate acquisitions of work into institutional collections from participating galleries at Melbourne Art Fair.

Mary Wenholz, outgoing CEO, Melbourne Art Foundation said “Leading Melbourne Art Foundation, an organisation whose legacy has been critical to the commercial gallery sector, has offered a rare opportunity to directly contribute to the future of the sector. The 2026 edition of Melbourne Art Fair reflects this growth, expanding in ambition, scale and national relevance while remaining grounded in its core purpose of supporting artists, galleries and the broader cultural ecosystem. I’m immensely proud of what the team, board, galleries, and partners have built together.” She adds, “As I step aside following the 2026 Fair, I’m excited about the Foundation’s next phase under Clare’s leadership. Clare brings a deep commitment to the sector and a clear focus on strengthening opportunities for galleries and artists, and I have every confidence she will build on this strong foundation while leading Melbourne Art Foundation into its next chapter with energy and purpose”.

An experienced arts manager, Clare joins Melbourne Art Foundation after almost seven years leading PHOTO Australia and previous experience as General Manager of Ausdance Victoria. Her expertise spans delivery of high-impact events and festivals as well as local and international market development across both the visual and performing arts sectors, making her a perfect fit to step in and lead Melbourne Art Foundation into this new chapter.

Peter Jopling AM KC, Chairman of Melbourne Art Foundation said “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and leadership Mary Wenholz has shown during her tenure as CEO, helping deliver our most successful Melbourne Art Fair to date, both in sales and attendance. We are equally delighted to welcome Clare McKenzie as the next CEO, as the Foundation continues to grow and showcase the extraordinary depth of Australia’s homegrown creative talent.”

“I am thrilled to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for the Foundation,” says Clare McKenzie, incoming CEO, Melbourne Art Foundation. “The 2026 edition of Melbourne Art Fair set a remarkable benchmark, thanks to the leadership of Mary Wenholz and the dedication of the team, and that energy is a real source of inspiration as we turn our attention to 2027.” She adds, “I look forward to working with the team to build on this momentum, continuing our mission to build new audiences and a market for contemporary art in Australia and beyond”.