\nThe Director of the National Gallery of\u00a0Australia,\u00a0Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0began his career in Newcastle, studying a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art\u00a0at the University of Newcastle and gaining Graduate Diplomas in Education and Fine Art,\u00a0serving as the Director of Newcastle Art Gallery for six years.
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![\"Key-to-the-City-presentation-web.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/getattachment\/Council\/News\/Latest-News\/City-of-Newcastle-honours-new-inductee-to-Ambassad\/Key-to-the-City-presentation-web.jpg\" "\\"Lord")
\nDuring his tenure, Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0brought community engagement, programming, marketing and collection development \u2013 particularly contemporary Australian art \u2013 to the fore, boldly transforming the Gallery in these areas.
\nToday, he remains a passionate advocate\u00a0and supporter of\u00a0the proposed $35.6 million Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion to key decisionmakers and governing bodies in Canberra, touting Newcastle as a creative arts hub that fosters creativity and produces world-class talent.
\nLord Mayor\u00a0Nuatali\u00a0Nelmes commended Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0for his service to the arts and presented him with a Key to the City in front of esteemed friends, family and colleagues.
\n\u201cThe Key to the City is a significant honour under the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program, which recognises the efforts of Novocastrians, both residing in our City and in other parts of Australia and the world, in promoting our\u00a0City,\u201d Cr Nelmes said.
\n\u201cWhile Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u2019s\u00a0impressive career has taken him to Queensland, South Australia and most recently the ACT,\u00a0it is clear from his advocacy for Newcastle Art Gallery and the region as a whole that\u00a0Newcastle\u00a0has remained close to his heart,\u00a0and we look forward to working with Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0as an ambassador for the City.\u201d
\nNewcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton wholeheartedly endorsed Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u2019s\u00a0induction to the Ambassador Program.
\n\u201cIt is\u00a0wonderful\u00a0to see my professional colleague and dear friend Nick\u00a0Mitzevich, former Director of our beautiful Gallery and now the Director of the National Gallery of Australia, receive this prestigious award,\u201d Ms Morton said.
\n\u201cNick continues to be a\u00a0proud\u00a0advocate\u00a0and supporter\u00a0of\u00a0Newcastle\u2019s\u00a0much-loved\u00a0Art Gallery\u00a0and it is\u00a0a pleasure\u00a0to be hosting\u00a0his Ambassadorship ceremony\u00a0here.\u201d
\nChair of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, Suzie\u00a0Galwey, said the Foundation was pleased to submit Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u2019s\u00a0worthy nomination to the City of Newcastle Award Panel.
\n\u201cAdvancing Newcastle Art Gallery,\u00a0its collection and its\u00a0exhibitions, is at the core of everything we do at the Foundation. The Board is pleased to formally recognise Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u2019s\u00a0ongoing contributions to our mission, and we were delighted to be able to nominate him for the Ambassador Program,\u201d Ms\u00a0Galwey\u00a0said.
\n\u201cThe Foundation shares the City\u2019s\u00a0ambition to further the\u00a0Gallery’s reputation as a world-class cultural institution, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0for the benefit of the\u00a0Gallery and the\u00a0City.\u201d
\nUpon receiving the Key to the City, Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0thanked the City of Newcastle\u00a0and acknowledged his role as a former Novocastrian in proudly promoting the City.
\n\u201cIt is an honour and a privilege\u00a0to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle, my hometown which represents a significant chapter in my life and my career,\u201d Mr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0said.
\n\u201cIn upholding the values of the Ambassador Program as the City\u2019s newest inductee, this award reaffirms my continued commitment to the City of Newcastle\u00a0and its rich arts scene.\u201d
\nMr\u00a0Mitzevich\u00a0is the eighth individual or organisation to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle\u00a0since the program\u2019s inception in 2017, joining the ranks\u00a0with\u00a0Naval Officer Anita Sellick, former University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Caroline McMillen, Breast Cancer Trials, Newcastle Eye Hospital Foundation, The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG, Youth\u00a0With\u00a0a Mission medical vessel\u00a0The Ruach, and businesswoman and media personality Jackie\u00a0Gillies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"