Elizabeth Ann Macgregor Memoir Details MCA Funding Battle and Expansion

In her memoir titled 'The Power of the Real', Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, the former director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, recounts a funding crisis that emerged following Premier Bob Carr's resignation in 2005, which interrupted a renewal initiative spearheaded by Alan Pigott. Despite backing from arts minister Bob Debus and ex-lord mayor Frank Sartor, the Treasury pushed for budget reductions. Macgregor reached out to Deputy Premier John Watkins and Premier Morris Iemma, highlighting the MCA's Bella program. After a setback at a Foundation Hall event, funding was ultimately secured against the treasurer's opposition, with the Ministry for the Arts taking it on. The MCA later obtained offsite storage in Lilyfield, supported by a $1 million donation, and contemplated expansion. Sydney University Press will release the book on 1 October.