London born Anthony Spira joined the Whitechapel Gallery in 1999 where he has overseen numerous mid-career surveys, thematic group shows and exhibitions of emerging artists.

He has also edited and contributed to many publications and worked at the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume in Paris from 1994 to 1996.  Spira aims to build on the work of his predecessors by showcasing leading young artists and overlooked historical figures. He intends to diversify the levels of engagement with local audiences and to develop a national and international network of collaborating organisations.

Speaking of the appointment, Will Cousins, Chair of Milton Keynes Theatre & Gallery Company Board and Chair of the interview panel said, “The panel had an international field of candidates to choose from but was particularly struck by Anthony Spira’s vision for the programme at Milton Keynes Gallery, and his clear ambition to connect with audiences both inside and outside the gallery.  We welcome his appointment with enthusiasm and are excited by the prospect of further enhancing the reputation of the gallery with a new and exciting young Director.”  

Artist Michael Craig-Martin, who was a member of the interview panel added, “Over the past decade Milton Keynes Gallery has become one of the most successful regional public spaces showing contemporary art. Under the direction of Michael Stanley (recently appointed Director of Modern Art Oxford), and with the support of his very able team, the gallery has engaged the interest and respect of both the local community and the international art world. This achievement was acknowledged in the very high qualifications of many of the candidates for his replacement. As the new Director, Anthony Spira, will bring to Milton Keynes the wealth of experience he has gained from his years of work at the Whitechapel Gallery in London.”

Speaking of his appointment Anthony Spira said, “Milton Keynes Gallery celebrates its 10th anniversary this autumn and under the direction of my predecessors Michael Stanley and Stephen Snoddy and their staff it has achieved significant success and critical recognition.  I look forward to taking the Gallery to its next phase of development, to build on its success and to cementing its position as one of the city and region’s cultural landmarks.”

Sally Abbott, Director of Arts, Arts Council England South East, welcomed the news, commenting, “Anthony is an inspired choice to take this unique gallery to its next phase. Milton Keynes Gallery sits at the cultural heart of the city of Milton Keynes and Anthony's imaginative approach to curation will certainly get a chance to thrive here.”

To find out more information about Milton Keynes Gallery go to www.mk-g.org