Museum Director Moving On
Alec Coles, Director, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
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After nearly 8 years as Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), Alec Coles is leaving for an exciting new role as Director of the Western Australian Museum, in Perth, Western Australia.
Alec will take up his new post on 22 March 2010 where he will manage the Museum's six sites, its Collection Research Centre and a number of maritime heritage sites. In particular, he will be responsible for developing the business case for a major new State Museum in Perth.
In his current role as Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Alec is responsible for twelve museums, galleries and heritage sites. He also leads the North East Regional Museums Hub through the Renaissance programme.
Alec has nearly 30 years experience in the cultural and heritage sectors, including over 20 spent in the North East. His previous positions include Chief Executive of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
Ged Bell, Chair of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Joint Committee, said:
"It has been a privilege to work with Alec since he joined TWAM as Director. He has lead the museums and, latterly, the archives though many great achievements including the recent launch of the hugely successful Great North Museum, the merger with the Archives Service and leading TWAM to a number of national and regional awards, including North East Public Sector Organisation of the Year, earlier this year.
"This new role was clearly an opportunity not to be missed on both a personal and professional level and I wish Alec and his family much happiness pursuing their new lives in Australia."
Alec said:
"Obviously this is a bitter-sweet moment for me. I have loved living and working in the North East and I know that I am leaving at an exciting time, what with 2012 around the corner and the World Cup bid for 2018.
"I have enjoyed my time working for TWAM where I have been lucky enough to work with simply the best staff and elected members that I could have hoped for. I wish TWAM all the very best for the future and I know that it will continue to play a major part in the lives of the people of the North East and beyond.
"I am, however, looking forward to working with the Board and staff of the Western Australian Museum, and, of course, the people of WA, as we develop the museum's offer at all its sites and create a vision and business case for a major new State Museum in Perth befitting such an ambitious city."