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The director of Adelaide-based law firm WRP Legal has been appointed chair of the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation, stepping into the role following a long tenure as a board member.
The Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) has appointed prominent lawyer and long-serving board member Adrian Tisato (pictured) as chair of its foundation, the philanthropic arm that plays a central role in developing and shaping the state’s art collection.
With almost three decades of experience in the legal profession, Tisato is currently a director at Adelaide-based commercial firm WRP Legal & Advisory, a role he has held for more than three years.
He holds broad expertise across commercial law, including governance, risk, dispute resolution, and the intersecting fields of innovation, technology, and creativity.
Tisato steps into the role following the departure of Andrew Gwinnett, who led the foundation for more than 12 years, during which time he oversaw the acquisition of more than 4,700 artworks with a combined value exceeding $84 million.
Art Gallery board chair Sandy Verschoor shared how Tisato brings extensive governance experience and deep cultural expertise to the role, underpinned by a longstanding commitment to the arts and a shared ambition to position AGSA as the country’s most inspiring art destination.
“Adrian Tisato brings his expertise in governance and extensive cultural knowledge to the role of foundation chair following many years on the Art Gallery board,” Verschoor said.
“Adrian is deeply committed to supporting the arts in Australia and shares our vision for AGSA to become the most inspiring art destination in the country.”
AGSA director Jason Smith welcomed Tisato’s appointment, pointing to his decades of cultural leadership as a strong foundation for strengthening the gallery’s collection and expanding its philanthropic reach and stakeholder engagement.
“We warmly acknowledge former AGSA foundation chair Andrew Gwinnett for the significant contribution he made over his 12 years of leading the foundation,” Smith said.
“We are delighted that Adrian Tisato has stepped into the role and look forward to enhancing the cultural reputation of South Australia through the growth of AGSA’s world-renowned collection.
“With decades of leadership in the cultural sector, Adrian is an inspired choice to lead the foundation and support AGSA’s philanthropic and stakeholder relationships.”
The appointment will see Tisato work closely with the board and AGSA director to guide the gallery’s fundraising efforts, driving an ambitious five-year philanthropy strategy as the institution builds towards its 150th anniversary in 2031.
Speaking about his new role, Tisato shared that he was honoured to take on the position, paying tribute to AGSA’s world-class collection and its donors, and signalling his ambition to help drive a renewed era of philanthropic support that strengthens Adelaide’s position as a leading global cultural city.
“It is an honour to be appointed chair of the AGSA Foundation,” Tisato said.
“With its world-class art collection and curators, AGSA has made a profound contribution to our state and nation. The generosity of AGSA’s donor community has made this possible.
“I look forward to working closely with our donors and team to spark a new wave of philanthropy that will help Adelaide fulfil its ambitions as a leading global city of culture.”
