MCA Board Appoints Lorraine Tarabay as New Chair

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) has appointed a new Chair, Lorraine Tarabay, to succeed Simon Mordant AM, who will continue his involvement with the MCA as International Ambassador.

Lorraine Tarabay will commence as MCA Chair in July 2020. She brings broad experience as an investment banker who specialised in advice for mergers and acquisitions, market strategies and privatisations in both Sydney and New York. She also has considerable experience in the not-for-profit sector, and is herself an avid collector of contemporary art.

Since joining the MCA Board in 2016, Tarabay has served as Chair of the MCA’s Director’s Circle, and is a member of the Finance Committee and Foundation Council, which procures philanthropic support for new acquisitions for the MCA Collection.

Tarabay is also a member of the Venice Council for Australia’s representation at the Venice Biennale, the Board of Global Women Leaders – Strategic Philanthropy, Tate’s International Council, and the Board of Kincoppal Rose Bay school. 

"I look forward to working closely with the MCA team, its Board of Directors, Liz Ann and artists," said Tarabay in a media statement.

"The MCA has played such an integral part of the cultural fabric of Sydney since it opened nearly 30 years ago."

"It has led the way for broad and diverse audiences to connect with contemporary art through incredible exhibitions and programming, and it is exemplary in showcasing how art can transform lives. I’m thrilled to be working in this capacity with the MCA and look forward to contributing to its future," she said.

She is presently leading the MCA’s new philanthropic venture, the Social Impact through Art Fund, which garners philanthropic support for creative learning initiatives at the MCA such as GENEXT, and early learning programs for families and children.

The MCA Board has acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Simon Mordant as Chair of the MCA from 2010 to 2020, and his leadership as Chair of the Finance Committee from 1996 to 1999, as well as Chair of the MCA Foundation, established to raise funds for the A$53 million capital campaign for the new building expansion.

Director of the MCA, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, commented, "Simon’s contribution to the MCA has been immeasurable. Simon and Catriona [Mordant] have been part of all the key moments in the Museum’s history. Their philanthropic leadership led to the recommencement of our acquisition program and the expansion of the MCA in 2012, which has been truly transformational. Simon’s ongoing commitment to contemporary art and his passion for supporting the Museum’s vision helped to sustain the MCA through a time of extraordinary growth … We are thrilled that Simon has agreed to continue his involvement with us in the inaugural role as the MCA International Ambassador."

Of Tarabay’s appointment as Chair, Macgregor added, "The MCA is thrilled that the Board has appointed Lorraine. She has been a highly committed board member from the beginning. Her strong background in finance, passion for contemporary art and commitment to the MCA’s social impact programs is especially welcomed during these difficult times when we need support for art and artists more than ever. I am looking forward to working closely with Lorraine and the other members of our Board."