With over 35 years’ experience in the Visual Arts and Creative Industries sectors, Lauretta Morton OAM is the first female Director in Newcastle Art Gallery's 66-year history.

Her Directorship and artistic, curatorial leadership has achieved the highest audience participation in over a decade to award-winning nationally and internationally recognised exhibitions.

Securing record growth in benefaction and donations to the City of Newcastle’s $126M collection of over 7,000 works of art, Lauretta is a highly respected arts advocate committed to supporting the broader Gallery and Museum profession through multiple Industry Boards, Committees and Mentorship.

Lauretta was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Australia Day Honours in recognition of her 'outstanding and meritorious service' to the museums and galleries sector.