BIENNALE OF SYDNEY CEO BARBARA MOORE APPOINTED CHEVALIER OF FRANCE’S ORDRE DES ARTS ET DES LETTRES
The Biennale of Sydney is proud to announce that CEO Barbara Moore has been appointed Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, by the French Republic.
Barbara Moore. Photo by Dan Boud
Presented by the French Ministry of Culture, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres recognises individuals who have distinguished themselves through artistic creation or through their contribution to the influence of arts and culture in France and throughout the world. One of France’s highest cultural honours, the appointment recognises not only Moore’s industry leadership on a global level, but also acknowledges the important role that cultural exchange can play in strengthening international relationships. The honour was conferred at a ceremony hosted by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore at Sydney Town Hall, with His Excellency David Martinon, French Ambassador to Australia.
Barbara Moore emigrated to Australia from Canada in 2007. A graduate of Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton and Emily Carr University in Vancouver, Moore has built a career in the arts spanning more than twenty years, culminating in her leadership of one of the world’s largest and longest-running international biennials. She is also a Board Member of the International Biennial Association.
The Chevalier honour for Moore comes at an important moment for Australia's international cultural relationships, with Australia set to be Guest of Honour at Art Paris in 2027. For Moore, the recognition is less about personal achievement than the importance of cultural exchange at a time when international relationships are increasingly complex, extending beyond individual exhibitions, performances, festivals or national showcases.
“Cultural diplomacy is about building genuine relationships — between artists, institutions, communities and countries — over time. Those relationships matter particularly when the world feels more divided.”
As CEO of the Biennale of Sydney and a Board Member of the International Biennial Association, Moore sits at the intersection of Australian cultural leadership and international arts networks.
“Art doesn't require us to arrive at the same conclusion. It gives us a reason to be in the same room, to listen, be curious about one another and see the world from different perspectives. That openness and connection is valuable in any period, especially now”.
Moore joins a distinguished international community of artists and cultural leaders recognised through France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, whose recipients include Celine Dion, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Mami Kataoka and Ibrahim Mahama. Australian recipients have included artist Tony Albert, architect and art patron Penelope Seidler, art patron Dr Gene Sherman, former Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron, and figures across music and film including Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave and Cate Blanchett. Moore’s appointment recognises her contribution to Australia’s cultural life and the international relationships that connect Australian artists, institutions and audiences with the world.
Barbara Moore emigrated to Australia from Canada in 2007. A graduate of Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton and Emily Carr University in Vancouver, Moore has built a career in the arts spanning more than twenty years, culminating in her leadership of one of the world’s largest and longest-running international biennials. She is also a Board Member of the International Biennial Association.
The Chevalier honour for Moore comes at an important moment for Australia's international cultural relationships, with Australia set to be Guest of Honour at Art Paris in 2027. For Moore, the recognition is less about personal achievement than the importance of cultural exchange at a time when international relationships are increasingly complex, extending beyond individual exhibitions, performances, festivals or national showcases.
“Cultural diplomacy is about building genuine relationships — between artists, institutions, communities and countries — over time. Those relationships matter particularly when the world feels more divided.”
As CEO of the Biennale of Sydney and a Board Member of the International Biennial Association, Moore sits at the intersection of Australian cultural leadership and international arts networks.
“Art doesn't require us to arrive at the same conclusion. It gives us a reason to be in the same room, to listen, be curious about one another and see the world from different perspectives. That openness and connection is valuable in any period, especially now”.
Moore joins a distinguished international community of artists and cultural leaders recognised through France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, whose recipients include Celine Dion, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Mami Kataoka and Ibrahim Mahama. Australian recipients have included artist Tony Albert, architect and art patron Penelope Seidler, art patron Dr Gene Sherman, former Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron, and figures across music and film including Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave and Cate Blanchett. Moore’s appointment recognises her contribution to Australia’s cultural life and the international relationships that connect Australian artists, institutions and audiences with the world.