Australian of the Year

In her role as program producer at the National Gallery of Australia, for 20 years Adriane Boag used her passion and expertise in visual arts to enrich the lives of people living with dementia and their carers, young people, people with a disability and other marginalised groups.  

Across a myriad of programs, Adriane made art more inclusive, bringing its social and mental health benefits to a wide audience. She contributed to creating the National Gallery’s renowned program now known as Art and Dementia. Over 40 Australian galleries have since joined the ranks offering similar programs. 

Adriane was also instrumental in fostering a love of art online, including through Art and Dementia – Making It, and an online element of the National Summer Art Scholarship (for Year 11 students across the country) during COVID-19. 

Always championing innovative ways to connect more people with art, Adriane was a co-convenor for the Know My Name conference in 2020.