ADELAIDE.- Philanthropist and Founder of The Balnaves Foundation, Neil Balnaves AO has been appointed to the Art Gallery of South Australia’s Board.

Michael Abbott AO QC, Chairman, Art Gallery of South Australia Board said “Neil’s passion and commitment to the arts, along with his wealth of knowledge and expertise in the media industry will be an invaluable asset to the Art Gallery Board.”

Neil Balnaves AO has had a long association with the Art Gallery, generously providing the funds for the children’s program START at the Gallery since its inception in 2009 and supporting both the 2012 and upcoming 2014 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art.

Neil Balnaves AO said “I look forward to supporting this great South Australian institution. There is every reason why it is possible for the Art Gallery of South Australia to be the premium Gallery in Australia and to further promote art to all levels in the community. In doing so, it can make a valuable contribution to South Australia.”

Adelaide born and raised, Neil Balnaves AO worked for more than forty-five years in the entertainment and media industries. Starting his career as the advertising and public relations manager for Rigby Publishers in Adelaide, he is best known for the role he played in building the Australian television industry as the Chairman and CEO of Southern Star Group, Australia's largest independent television production and distribution group. Southern Star produced dramas including Blue Heelers, The Secret Life of Us and Water Rats, as well as bringing reality TV giant Big Brother to Australia in 2001.

In 2006 Neil Balnaves AO founded The Balnaves Foundation, a private philanthropic organisation aimed at creating a better Australia through education, medicine and the arts, with a focus on young people, the disadvantaged and Indigenous communities.