ACMI appoints Gavin Somers as inaugural Director of First Nations, Equity and Social Policy

ACMI appoints Gavin Somers as inaugural Director of First Nations, Equity and Social Policy

ACMI announces that Gavin Somers, a proud Butjulla, Gubbi Gubbi man, has been appointed to the newly created role of Director of First Nations, Equity and Social Policy, where he will lead Australia’s national museum of screen culture to champion and challenge teams across the organisation to achieve equity of access for individuals and groups that have traditionally been excluded.

Acting Director & CEO, Graham Jephcott said: “ACMI recognises the impact of our museum in a changing world. Our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion and championing First Peoples’ voices must be ongoing. In welcoming Gavin to the ACMI Executive team, we take important steps towards continuing this vital work.”

Director of First Nations, Equity and Social Policy, Gavin Somers said: “I am very honoured to be taking up this exciting opportunity in joining the deadly ACMI crew, and looking forward to growing our wonderful connections to our First Nations and diverse communities.”

With a career spanning both Federal and State government departments, Gavin was previously manager of Aboriginal Employment and Cultural Inclusion at the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP). In this role Gavin oversaw the creation and implementation of a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural inclusion, cultural safety and employment initiatives for a workforce of over 5,000 staff.

Consolidating his reputation as a highly respected leader within Aboriginal communities across Victoria, Gavin collaborated closely with DELWP’s diversity and inclusion teams to ensure consistency with the organisation’s LGBQTI+, disability and culturally and linguistically diverse programs.

Gavin also remains a passionate supporter of the creative industries through his long-standing role as board member of Ilbijerri Theatre Company.

The Director of First Nations, Equity and Social Policy role was created by ACMI to align with its Reconciliation Action Plan and its commitment to building positive and reciprocal relationships with First Peoples that place them at the centre of Australian culture. The role will lead and support the museum to embed culturally safe practices for staff, visitors, and communities as it strives to deliver meaningful change and engagement across the organisation.

The role will support ACMI as it delivers on its commitment that its staff, programs, audiences, and collaborations will reflect the diversity of its community by focusing on First Nations, LGBQTI+, disability, gender and identity, people of colour and the culturally and linguistically diverse.

Gavin commences with ACMI today.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Download Gavin Somers' headshot here.

ABOUT ACMI
ACMI is Australia’s national museum of screen culture. The museum reopened in February 2021 after a two-year, $40 million redevelopment – an architectural, programmatic and technological transformation. Navigate the universe of film, TV, videogames and art with us. ACMI celebrates the wonder and power of the world’s most democratic artform – fostering the next generation of makers, players and watchers. ACMI’s vibrant calendar of exhibitions, screenings, commissions, festivals, and industry and education programs explore the stories, technologies and artists that create our shared screen culture. More at acmi.net.au