Rose Hiscock has worked in the cultural sector for more than twenty years. Her career has focused on building audiences for arts and sciences.

She is Inaugural Director of the Science Gallery in Australia. Previously she was Director of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), encompassing the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and Discovery Centre at Castle Hill. As Australia’s pre-eminent museum of arts and design, the Powerhouse is acknowledged internationally for the calibre of its collection, scholarship and exhibitions.

Rose is part of a small cohort of women leading significant cultural institutions. Her vision and program of exhibitions and events led to a significant increase in Museum attendance. In 2015 MAAS launched Australia’s first Centre for Fashion with an exhibition on the life and work of Australia’s foremost fashion designer Collette Dinnigan.

Prior to joining MAAS Rose was Executive Director, Arts Development at the Australia Council, the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body. In this role she was responsible for building Australian arts, nationally and internationally. She was integrally involved in the development of the new Australian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

Rose also worked for Museum Victoria where she was responsible for significant commercial and audience growth across Museum Victoria’s highly successful venues.

Rose has pioneered a collaborative leadership model for Museum management. Her team of highly skilled and creative cultural leaders are setting a new benchmark in museum management.

Rose is committed to building a vibrant and accessible arts sector. She is a Board member of Back to Back Theatre, Australia’s highly successful company with a full-time ensemble of actors considered to have an intellectual disability, and Chunky Move, one of Australia’s premier dance companies.

Areas of Expertise